Explicit warning – Star Walkin’ – Lil Nas X

Undoubtedly, the song I chose (it chose me) from the beginning of the PhD process to its culmination might be inappropriate. Like the time I thought the song Unholy just had a good beat.

Side note. Lyrics are important, Kel.

I’ve listened to the song at least once a week for 3 years. When I felt stuck in the suck of monotony, of writing another 30, 40, 50 page paper on a subject I wasn’t 100% in love with, my anthem came in handy.

Prove 'em wrong every time 'til it's normal
Why worship legends when you know that you can join 'em?

When I joined the Navy, I was told only 1% of the population has served in the armed forces. I’m proud to be part of the 1%.

Then, when I obtained a PhD, again I was told only 1% of the population have a doctoral degree. Despite questioning the accuracy of the numbers, my question now is how many present or prior servicemembers have a PhD? Food for thought. I’m only a legend in my own mind.

Never listened to replies, learned a lesson from the wise

From the start, I knew I wanted something special to commemorate this event in my life, a visualization of what this process took from me and, alternately, gave me. A token, if you will.

I kept the images to myself for over 2 years, afraid to admit I might be able to achieve a moment in time where it would be reality. Only last summer did I show anyone the photos, and only in a moment of excitement where it seemed I was embarking on steps I could never not finish. And only when I had returned from the border did I consider maybe I should actually consult with a jeweler soon because this process is getting real. Little did I know I would be finished in less than 6 weeks.

An incredible woman, Landri, somehow took my vision for a unique class ring and magnified it by a million. Her eye for beautiful things, her love for jewelry, and somehow her knowledge to ensure perfection is evident in the piece she lovingly crafted. Sure, it’s designed by me, but she turned a vision into a piece of art.

Don't ever say it's over if I'm breathin'
Racin' to the moonlight and I'm speedin'

The 6 tiny black gemstones (black spinel) represent academia, specifically higher education. Black is regal, it is effort, it is foundational. The 6 tiny blue gemstones (blue sapphire) represent water, ocean, and sky. I was fortunate to have the ability to use my GI Bill for the cost of this degree. My time in the Navy, in the ocean, with its perfect open water views is what I choose to remember of my time there. When I close my eyes, I can’t unsee the sun rising and setting across the ocean. The blue gemstones are homage to a tumultuous yet rewarding experience. Finally, the blue sapphire represents wisdom. From knowing when to start and stop, I don’t believe this path in my life was by mistake. I do believe there’s an element of divinity in everyone’s life. The sapphire is brilliant yet unassuming, beautiful yet not boastful.

I'm headed to the stars, ready to go far
I'm star walkin'

There were 3 of us. Three very different individuals who came together somewhere along this journey, who banded together to offer words of encouragement, venting, and overall support for something none of us had previously accomplished. I always felt like the hype man, the one who would definitely make it across the finish line, but unapposed to taking the final steps at the rear of the group. Life is funny. I wanted to watch them succeed from my vantage point in the back so I knew exactly what to do and how to do it. Somewhere, my self-designated position got mixed up and I ended up at the front, leading, doing what I do. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it now – it’s lonely at the top. Not alone, but lonely. Fortunately, my role as the cheerleader for our band of perfectionists is still intact. And I’m overjoyed to support them in the final stages of accomplishment.

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I ask you –

Feel free to share your thoughts here. No questions today.

(The post Journey to an Anthem first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

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