Who Is in Your Tribe?
This is my Brooks tribe. The photo was taken in October 2019 in Oga’s Cantina at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars, all things Star Wars, is one thing my tribe is passionate about. This day began early (Can you say before 6 a.m.?) and was filled with fun, laughter, and magic. We toured Star Wars lands and ships, piloted the Millennium Falcon, stared in wonder as characters “came to life” in true Disney fashion, and one of us designed his own lightsaber. It was a day we will never forget. It was also the last day my tribe has been together in person since the pandemic.
In my tribe are three First Generation students, five former Pell Eligible students, two Fortune 500 company employees, an executive trainer and leadership developer, a middle school choral music educator, a regional minister who empowers and equips congregations and ministerial staff to live into their purpose, and a university chaplain. Between us we hold six undergraduate degrees, four masters degrees, and two doctorates. One of us is a former college athlete with championship rings, one of us is a graduate of an exclusive human resources program, one of us is a graduate of the Disney College program, one of us is an APO brother and continues to work for the organization at the national level, one of us is a published author, and all six of us are products of liberal arts education. Two of us had a grandparent with Alzheimer’s live with them, two of us lost their fathers at the age of 53, two of us grew up in homes with divorced parents, three of us qualified for reduced lunch/breakfast when we were growing up, two of us met on a dating website, one of us was almost a contestant on College Jeopardy, four of us auditioned for a Disney+ show with a casting director, and four of us met in college and married after graduation. All of us love trivia and are pretty much the team to beat… and we have the prizes and medals to prove it (lol).
While folks might argue that one’s family is not one’s tribe, I contend that during this time of pandemic one’s tribe is that group of folks you share your soul with. These are the people you dare to be vulnerable with, dare to be your real self with, and dare to cry and groan with. These are the people you share your hopes and dreams with, the ones you laugh with, and the ones you giggle with. These are the people you trust with the real you, complete with all your thoughts, all of your failings and weaknesses, and all your possibilities.
Growing up, my best friends were my tribe. In college, my roommates were my tribe. As a young mother, my tribe was composed of other young mothers. When our children were teenagers, two other moms and I formed a tribe. I remain close with them even today. When I was a young professional, my tribe consisted of other women in my profession. During this season, I just happen to be related to my tribe and we communicate mostly via Zoom.
Who is in your tribe? Your Greek siblings? Your roommates/hallmates? Your colleagues in your department or major? Your spiritual/religious group members? Your family? Your best friends? Folks in your house of worship? With whom do you share your soul, your core being? With whom do you dream, imagine, and gripe? With whom do you debate, weep, and wrestle? Who knows you, all of you, and loves you anyway? Who dares to challenge you, encourage you, and hold you accountable? Who is in your tribe?
Having a tribe is important. Having a tribe during a pandemic is essential. If you do not have a tribe, please reach out to me or another chaplain in our office. We would be honored to explore possibilities with you.
May your day be filled with beautiful and wondrous conversations with others,
Chaplain Katrina