During the day I'm the typical, cardigan wearing librarian. I fill my evenings and weekends pursuing a million hobbies and interests, including, but definitely not limited to, blogging, podcasting, live music, reading, arts and crafts, (hula) hooping, cooking, eating, making lists and spreadsheets for any and every reason, taking naps (that's a hobby, right?), organizing and reorganizing my Pinterest boards, watching cartoons, traveling and looking at pictures of cats on Tumblr.
I don't allow myself to be put in a box! There isn't one definition of blackness and I fully embrace this fact!
I have many! Famous ones include Aisha Tyler (of course), Issa Rae (duh), Donald Glover, and every character on A Different World. IRL, probably my grandma! She's always encouraged my voracious reading habits. We have the same taste in reading materials and I love trading book recommendations with her and chatting about what we've read.
Twitter! I think it's been everyone's answer. But it really is amazing for connecting people.
Most of elementary, middle and high school? I was acutely aware that I was different from most of the other black kids, and it made for many, many awkward moments.
"Ugghhhhh!" and "Right!?" I'm terribly eloquent, I know.
My goals and passions are one and the same- lifetime learning, trying new things, having new experiences.
The two things I've read in recent times that have greatly impacted me are How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston and How to be a Woman by Caitlin Moran.
I'd just like to see more librarians! :D
Don't let other people make you feel bad for pursuing your interests and passions! And find a community of like-minded, supportive people, whether it's on or offline.