Chapter 9: Strengthening My Core

I am approaching my 10th anniversary of earning my doctorate in Sports Studies from the University of Georgia, Athens (UGA). As I reflect on this moment, I find that, over the past few years, I was forced to strengthen my core to endure my work-life challenges and not lose my mind. Strengthening the core, from a sport and physical activity perspective, means to increase the strength and flexibility of the middle of the body. Strengthening of the abdominal muscles and back muscles promotes the improvement of physical skills and abilities, maintains the center of gravity, and enables the body to perform better. My core, well, my life core, consists of my faith, my family, and me. Now I know I am not the first Black woman, or woman for that matter, to experience challenges balancing life as a career person and mother. But for me, life as a Black woman raised to value herself and live proud as an educated Black female came under attack while working in higher education.