Hello! I’m Tessara Gabrielle Dudley, a self-titled Poet-Activist and historian-in-training.

Here's a picture of me in my regalia for graduation last summer \(Portland State University Class of 2017\!\):
![2017-04-18 13.51.42 HDR copy.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdFCeYm7xHh3VGa4P1mAmXGZZPwCfdWQyRQdNciCUoCqh/2017-04-18%2013.51.42%20HDR%20copy.jpg)
Photo taken by my best friend, Darwin

I’ve lived in the United States for most of my life. Originally hailing from San Jose, CA, I’ve been living in and around Portland, OR, for the last 16 years, although I lived in Accra (Ghana) for the latter half of 2016 as part of a study abroad program. I’m excited to start work on my PhD in Labor History this autumn, for which I will be relocating to Illinois!

Here on Steemit, I plan to share various bits and bobs from my life. I have a lot of hobbies and interests, so my blog here will probably be a wild mix of poetry, art, thoughts on social justice, history research, and reflections on my academic journey.

I’m something of an anxiety\!cat, as a result of being ADHD and autistic. Due to chronic pain issues, I’m something of a homebody, but I like connecting with people online.

Here’s a picture I drew of myself as an anxious kitty:
![IMG_2320 copy.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmYnHLyYXCTyXLo15XBdQcp3gckKrzAooqBppTHmr5nfm2/IMG_2320%20copy.jpg)
\(Sorry for the photo—I don't have access to my scanner right now\)

What else about me do I want to share? Well, I’m a Gemini with Aquarius Ascendant, if you’re into astrology. I’m biracial—Black dad, white mom—and Jewish. I like knitting, reading a wide range of books, drinking tea, drawing, listening to history podcasts, and cooking gluten-free food. My music tastes are pretty varied, everything from Nat King Cole to Nicki Minaj, Indigo Girls to the Band Perry, Frank Ocean to the O’Pears, and I’m almost constantly listening to music.

Oh, also: my name is pronounced **Tess-ah-rah**, not Tes-sarah, and even though folks commonly mistake it, I don’t answer to Teresa *at all.*

I look forward to connecting further\!