I know that this title sounds cliche-ish, and maybe even a little cheesy, but there is an important message that I would like to share. Besides, I have not written a blog in over a year. I have been missing this old familiar space. On the other hand, to be honest, there’s been so much going on that I haven’t had much to say. So much trouble in the world. It has literally taken my breath away.

Nevertheless, I recently recalled a memory of interviewing for a position, back in the late 90’s, for a position that would become one of my most memorable career choices. During the interview, one of the interviewees asked me about a statement made by one of my references. He said to me that my reference said that “One day Annalise will probably be a star.” He proceeded to ask me what my referee meant by that statement. Being the savvy person that I am (for such a slick interview question such as this) , I replied, “I’m not sure; you will have to ask my referee what he meant.”

Subconsciously, however, I knew the answer to his question. And what I knew then, as I know now, was this: I am a star. I am a star, I am a star, I am a star. And, because I am a star, I shine, brightly. It is what I do no matter where I go. As the saying goes, I literally let my little light shine. I light up a room, and I bring light to whatever I am doing. I used to be afraid to say it; shucks, it is probably more like I used to be afraid to mean it. But not anymore. I have learned to know myself as a star, and, most importantly, I have learned to embrace my natural “star” power ⭐.

If you are star, like me, continue to shine brightly. Shine as bright as you can until you can shine no more….or, of course, until you EXPLODE!!! You’re not obligated to explain to others who you are, especially if you know they would not or could not appreciate or respect it. Rather, just keep on being who you are, and in time you and everyone else will come to the realization of how amazing you absolutely, positively are.

© 2021 annalise fonza, Ph.D. – updated 01/23/2023