Do the Change with Gabriela Gonzalez, MPH

Part 1: Do the Change with Gabriela Gonzalez, MPH

TYRA PARRISH: Hi everyone welcome to the Do the Change podcast where we're challenging and reimagining OEHS. So in this podcast we focus on highlighting upcoming leaders in their fields and how they got to where they are today, with a special focus on the set of Occupational Health and Environmental Health Sciences, but we also go and talk about other fields as well because they overlap. And so we're going to be talking about all the hills and valleys of their journeys, get some insight into some non-traditional paths to the field.

So my name is Tyra Parrish, I'm a recent graduate from the MPH program here at Cal and our guest for this episode is Gabby Gonzalez. We're so happy to have you. So Gabby is a recent graduate of our Masters of Public Health program here at Cal, also specializing in Maternal Child and Adolescent Health. She is passionate about reproductive justice and creating happier and safer pregnancy experiences for birthing persons and families. Her career goals include policy and advocacy efforts relating to Black maternal health equity and increasing access to community doulas. Gabby has also received her Bachelor's of Arts in sociology with a minor in women and gender studies from Illinois University in 2019. So we're so happy to have you.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Thank you, I'm super excited to chat.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, okay so check-in question, which I'm super excited to hear about was the last concert you went to, Gabby and if you could rate it out of 10 what would you rate it?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Oh man, I recently was lucky enough to attend Taylor Swift's Eras tour, definitely would rate it 11 out of 10. I miss it every day, it's been my personality trait for so long, but yeah it was a time of my life and I was lucky to experience it with different people, you know see their reactions to the show, scream songs with different people. I still like have my friendship bracelets on, yeah amazing show and I don't know what her routine is because I was needing to take a seat every other song when she was you know up there for like over three hours so it's an awesome workout routine.

TYRA PARRISH: Oh yeah, definitely. Okay what was the last concert I think I saw Burna Boy in April literally in the middle of like finals, so that was like sketch. You know what just it's stress relieving this was the first concert I've been to since, when it started so I was like you know what we're gonna go big right? It's been earned.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: You earned it.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, thank you. So my attitude was this is a graduation present this is birthday present that says you haven't been to a concert in so long present.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, all the reasons.

TYRA PARRISH: What was that show? What was- I don't remember the character was on Parks and Rec where it was like 'treat' yourself, it's like -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah oh my God, I can't remember his name, but isn't it like Amy Poehler's like... he's not the assistant or something but they were -

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, very much a treat yourself moment and I'm here for it because -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Thank you.

TYRA PARRISH: - what if you're having fun. I remember I saw it and I was like, "Okay!" Yeah, okay, so we're just gonna jump into the first question which is: walk us through how you got into public health and the field of maternal child health, and also are there any specific topics within the field that really kind of drew you in, into that field.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, so whenever I get asked this question there's kind of two points I like to make. One is that my mom is actually an OBGYN so I definitely had a lot of that sort of influence just growing up, you know, just given her work background and the populations that she works with. Um, she works with a county hospital here in L.A county, so you know, not private sector work. So I had a lot of that influence growing up just with, you know, some of her experiences and just the realities of other people that my family didn't experience growing up. So that's a big influence, of course.

And then another aspect I like to talk about is despite that influence, you know, it wasn't like from a young age I was like, "I'm gonna be XYZ." Everyone would always ask me, "Are you gonna be a doctor like your mom?" And I was like, "No, I get grossed out by stuff." So in high school, I didn't have any sort of passion or, you know, direction. I went to a private high school that was very big on, you know, 98% of our graduates go on to attend a four-year university, blah, blah, blah. So obviously very intense having that stress, but I still didn't necessarily know what I wanted to do as a 17 year old -- you shouldn't really know what you want to do.

TYRA PARRISH: Right.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: But aside from that I eventually found sociology in undergrad so I quickly declared that, because I was immediately happy with it and in love with it. Which was also simultaneously happening around the time of the 2016 election, so it was just a very kind of surreal time to be introduced to that topic and the things we discussed in class.

But then, by my senior year of undergrad I had taken a -- I think it was a sociology of gender class, but one of the topics was health and, you know, health disparities between different genders and race and everything and I just found that super interesting. But looking back, I see now the ways I would take so many opportunities to write about pregnancy outcomes and disparities and I always had an interest in working with kids and families. But I think the more exposure I got and the more I learned I eventually just learned the area I wanted to be in is helping primarily moms and birthing people. So that's how I got into maternal child health, so it's definitely a journey, but it's everything to me now. I don't know what I would do if I didn't find this area.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, so I guess I'm curious when you're looking at MPH programs, what about Cal specific maternal health program made you to go like, "That one."

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, definitely. So ironically UCLA was actually my top choice for the longest time, because I'm in LA county and it's pretty close by. And I didn't even consider, you know, Berkeley that much because I'm like, "It's too far away, I'm like a chicken." So I'm like, "I'm just gonna stay close to home." But Berkeley was one of the first schools I heard back from. So they gave me a lot of time to investigate and scope them out. And they're actually the only Maternal Child Health program that I applied to. So there was that for starters. And this fight, the MCH program at Berkeley, being a quantitative based program and me not being a quantitative girly. If I had to pick I would be qualitative, if not both, like mixed methods.

But I felt just the fact it was MCH in particular was a big thing because it just felt so much more specific than just doing something like health education or just public health period. And I just heard so many good things about the program from different alum and I really like that it was also a small program. I just thrive more in those environments so those are a couple of things that made me want to pick Berkeley. And just from attending their virtual events because it was Covid. So that's when everything was online. I just feel like they made themselves look really good compared to the other schools that I applied to and got into. And I felt like it would be a good close-knit community despite it being Berkeley with all the, you know, horror stories you can hear.

TYRA PARRISH: I mean, that's real. But I'm totally with you on the -- even initially applying to Berkeley, I was kind of like, "Mm, not sure." Also being from Socal where I'm like, "It's getting far." And just never being in the Bay Area ever, it's just like a lot of news at one time and I have no one who lives in this -- no family that lives in this area so that was a lot. But I think you're right, where it's the specificity of that program. Of like this is Maternal Child Health that we're studying versus health education and then kind of having to find those classes does make it a little bit easier in regards to focusing on what you want. But yeah. So I actually have a follow-up question of like as you were kind of progressing in your field were there any moments of self-doubt or imposter syndrome either in the journey to Cal, while at Cal -- oh my gosh that's like a tongue twister for me -- outside of Cal? And how did you manage those feelings and still stay confident in yourself and be like, "No, I'm supposed to be here. Like this is where -- you know, this is part of my journey."

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, definitely. I feel -- kind of going back to high school in a way -- I applied to 13 schools in high school going into undergrad, and I got into four of them. One of them not being like a top school that I want to get into. And I was a very different student at that time. Like I was saying earlier, I didn't have any sort of idea of any direction I wanted to go which reflects, you know, the type of student that I was. Um, and -- sorry, notification popped up and it distracted me -- but I think I bring that up because when I think about when I was applying to grad school I just remember having that sort of feeling in the back of my mind as I was applying especially because I had really excelled as a student in undergrad, that I felt I had to sort of continue to like beat myself. I'm like I have to aim for the highest school within close proximity.

I -- okay, side note. I remember I was looking at John Hopkins because I was like, "Top public health graduate schools in the country!" And like John Hopkins comes up and I start filling up the application, I'm like typing my name -- I'm like, "Where even is John Hopkins?" And I look and they're in Maryland or something out on the East Coast and I'm like, "Absolutely not." Close the application. I'm like, "I'll settle, yeah, I'll settle with UCLA or Berkeley here on the West Coast." But anyways. I love tangents.

TYRA PARRISH: Me too.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: So I had, yeah, so applying to grad school -- which looking back I'm like I can't believe I did this. I applied to nine schools. Because I'm like, I need my options I need my top schools, my middle, and then my backup. I saw all the options because of the experience that I had in high school. But I... ugh, I don't know where I was going with that. I think it took me some time to accept that wherever I end up, whether it's this high-ranking school that everybody just knows about, or not, an education is still an education.

But I definitely still experienced those feelings in -- especially the first year of grad school, the reality of it never really goes away. I just think I've gotten better about talking myself down when I have those moments. And being able to give myself props for how far I've come and like the fact that I'm here and I'm here for a reason. And I'll always think about -- I hate to bring it up, but -- biostats and epi[demiology] that first semester. Like that just tore me apart because -- not in a cocky way, but -- I was used to doing well in classes because of the type of student I was in undergrad. So I was like, "Why am I struggling so bad right now?" And that was just something that was super uncomfortable to me. But I think it just really... I don't know, maybe humbled is the right word. You're not gonna excel in everything and there's certain areas that are your strong suit.

But yeah, I've been talking for a little bit about that question. I think, to sum it up, that feeling never really goes away but I think looking back at my journey from high school to now I've definitely come a long way in, you know, feeling like I've found the route I want to take in public health and that I will hopefully be a good public health professional and advocate in Maternal Child Health. But you know there's always going to be those hurdles that come up especially as I'm just starting out in my career journey.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, and I think I want to just pause and uplift the fact that I know you're going to be a great public health professional based on what I know about you so you don't need to worry about that.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Thank you.

TYRA PARRISH: But I think what you shared is real, where it's like that transition of like being -- like doing well and then you come up against something -- well really, two somethings, because Epi was one battle and then biostats was one battle. And then you're doing it at the same time in a new environment, new space, getting to know people. And then everyone has like those two to three geniuses in your class like, "Biostats is easy!" And you're like, "Oh, so I'm stupid." Like that's how you internalize it. And I definitely went through the same thing where I'm like, "I thought I was good at math. I guess not." And it's like, "Oh, I thought coding wasn't that bad." Which I realized that was a little delulu. Coding is hard and I think doing both at the same time while learning Epi, and then being afraid to ask people for help because it seems like they're getting it really well, but I don't want to feel like I'm burdening them asking for help. But I think that's real where it's like, having to wrestle with the fact of like, it's okay to be like, to just be doing good enough and not necessarily A's all across the board.

As someone who's a recovering perfectionist, I'm gonna be recovering for life, but that was really hard for me too and I just, I'm just glad that you shared that because that's just real. Particularly at Cal, that was a hard adjustment for a lot of folks, but in the moment no one really talked about it so you kind of felt alone until like second year where everybody was like, 'Ugh, FBM biostats was rough!" I'm like, "You too??"

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I'm like honestly my thing is I survived that, like I'll be good. Like do your best, it'll all be okay. And I'm so glad I finally got to that point rather than constantly being like, "You need to do better than you did the previous time." Sometimes it just got to a point where I'm like, the bare minimum is all I could do right now and that's okay. And I think also, there's such a big difference I think in grad school versus undergrad where grad school like you have typically more time because you're in class a lot less, so you have more ability to like pick where you want to dedicate you know your energy and I finally figured that out and unfortunately grad school, at least our program, was only two years, so you know I had the whole year gone and then I was like, okay let me not suffer and be as miserable as I was the first year. Because you know, so now we don't go through that again, because I just look back and am like - what a like hard and horrible time that was where I was like - what am I doing. But I know a lot of people, like we talk about it, just what a difficult time that was for people. And plus it was 2021, so we're still like really deep in COVID, so it's just like a really kind of weird time looking back. It feels so long ago.

TYRA PARRISH: It literally does for so long ago and it was literally, what, maybe like a year and a half ago, if that? Actually no, it was two years ago.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Two years ago.

TYRA PARRISH: We started the suffering with, yeah, it's okay. Okay and so I guess to further wrap up that journey - were there any mentors or like folks in your support system who not only like influence your journey, but also provided guidance and support in those moments? And how do they contribute to just your growth as like a person? And as I guess now, a future, no because you're currently a public health practitioner, caught myself - I'm current.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yes, um I definitely want to shout out my mom, who like I was talking about earlier, I think yes, heart for my mother. She's definitely had a big influence on me and it's just interesting to see the difference between, you know, and MD versus an MPH, and how different those fields are in a way. But hearing her, especially with her lived experiences, not only with how she grew up, but also you know her work/ professional experience. I'm very lucky in that my mom has an education. This is the background that she works in, so she's very familiar. So I had someone who you know, could read my papers, and I could talk to about it, and I could sort of brainstorm with, and I know not a lot of people including my own program had that. So she definitely helped me a lot in that regard. And I think also just her resilience. I don't know how she does it, like sees what she does, the chaos that she sees, and like comes home then does it again the next day. I'm like, if one bad thing happens, like if someone eats my leftovers in the fridge, I'm like oh my God how am I gonna carry on [laughter].

TYRA PARRISH: Whole day ruined, yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Like it just shatters me, not to be dramatic, but yeah, just queen of moving on basically when something happens. But then I also have a great mentor who is a professor at LMU in the Sociology Department, Stephanie Limoncelli. I was basically just always at her office my final two years at LMU. I always had a hard time talking to authority figures, but like in this case, like teachers/professors. I just found it very intimidating, especially being someone that's more on the quiet side. Luckily I've branched out and come out of my bubble a bit, but at the time I was still very more sheltered. But she's just someone who I felt I could talk to about anything, whether it was complaining about other classes, talking about you know my next steps after graduating, and luckily I'm still in touch with her today, so she's definitely helped me a lot. And there's just so - I'm lucky that I know a lot of maternal health advocates in LA who are doing amazing work, I don't even know. The people that come to mind, I don't want to forget anybody, is Angela Jones, um Mashariki Kudumu, up in, she's not in LA, but Paige Edwards who I, we, both previously worked with. Yes.

TYRA PARRISH: We love Paige.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah there's so many amazing individuals who I'm lucky to know and who have had a great influence on me. And not only me figuring out the journey and the path I want to take prior to grad school, but also helped me during it, and like, I'm sure will help me you know after the fact, and will definitely cross paths with them in the future.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, yeah, that's really dope and I'm like, I just love that you, like this, just having a collection of mentors either over time or like at one point when they're just like, I guess I'm trying I'm trying to figure out the words to describe that. Sometimes it's like that one voice or that one person that gives you like that okay, or that like push to continue doing what you're doing, or when you're trying to figure out kind of what's going on and like what you want to do, having that kind of solid foundation, or like space, where you can kind of just unload. Like I'm thinking about this, but this, but then also I don't really know what this is, and like having that is so important just in your journey and trying to figure out like who you are as a person, but then also like how you want to, what type of person, or yeah what type of person you want to be, like in whatever job field you end up choosing. So that's really dope that you've had that many people, that those people are still around too, so that's really just -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah they've definitely all been role models and influences in different ways, whether it's you know one-on-one, or just watching the way they like feed a room or a meeting. Or the way they advocate and participate in just in so many different ways. But yeah, like you said, I'm definitely really lucky because I know it could be really hard to find.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah very hard. Okay, so we're gonna do a topic shift into what you're currently doing now. So one, first question, which I feel like is a question that a lot of post-grads don't like being asked, so I'm gonna just apologize ahead of time.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: It's a must though.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, it's a, yeah. So how has post-grad just been in general and what is that transition like from just like full day of classes, thesis work, XYZ, like life, grad life, into like now.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah it's definitely been a transition and I still have so many other transitions that I'll be experiencing just personally the next few months. I mean, after graduating I still had my student position with Berkeley until like the end of July, so at least I had some sense of normalcy and a source of income for a little bit and I was still like in Berkeley. But now I'm back in LA, unemployed, and luckily I have a lot to, you know, keep me on my toes because I have a lot going on. But it's definitely different from student life. I mean I've experienced this before, we've both experienced this before, from graduating from undergrad to going to nothing for like, one to two years, it's a transition. But I'm, this kind of period that I have right now, I've been living my best fun employed life, like I just said. I went to Eris tour recently.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I went more than once, I'm not gonna say how many times, but I'm just trying to take advantage of you know this time that I have, where I'm not paying rent, I am back here where I have a lot of my friends nearby. And even though it could be stressful, not could be, it is stressful, you know not having a source of income, well I'm trying to do fun things. You don't really get a time like this very often to be able to just, you know, wake up and you know you're fully in charge of what you want to do with your day in terms of not having school or like work that you have to do. So I'm trying to you know, take advantage of it as stressful as it is at times, because yeah, it just doesn't come very often. But job searching has been really stressful for sure.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah and I like how you're like highlighting about like being present, like you have the ability to be very present with your friendships, and like just enjoying like the moment of like no school, no work, that sounds like happiness.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah.

TYRA PARRISH: Just gotta be happiness, where it's like, that's ideal where you could just kind of choose your own adventure with your day, every day, and obviously in capitalist America that's not sustainable long term. But that's really awesome that you get to experience that though, so that when you do, are adding more things on your plate, you have like almost a frame of reference. Like, I remember how this felt, how can I get as close to that as I can with what I have to kind of handle.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Absolutely, and I think another thing too is, I remember just being in school and being like, I just want to be able to do nothing right now. But then it's like once I have nothing, I still find myself complaining because I feel the need to just be, you know, going back to back.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I like my - it's weird, I'm weird, I like my structure, but also despise it in a way. I feel like as I've gotten older that's been the case. I don't know, like I'm always complaining, but realizing that, I think again - remembering student me, who's like I just want to be able to exist, helps me like in the moment when I kind of feel overwhelmed about what am I doing, why am I an adult, and I'm not having more structure, blah blah blah.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Because it's a very rare moment and not a lot of people get to experience. So I'm trying to you know live in it because it's not going to last a very long time.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, I'm just gonna say, I resonate with that so-heavy. I'm the same person where I'm like, I like my structure, but I also like having the choice to like, I don't know if destructure is a word, if not I'm making it right now, where I like to just step away out of structure, and just be like - I'm just going to sit for the whole day. If I want to read a book, I'm gonna read a book. If I don't want to read a book, I don't, and nothing's gonna happen. You know?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, but then when I do it too much, then I'm like oh my gosh, I need 10 million things in my plate. I need to be stressed the whole day or else I feel like I'm doing nothing. I don't know, there's probably a book explaining what that is, and where that's coming from.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: When I find it I'll let you know, and then, likewise.

TYRA PARRISH: Please, we can read it together.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Oh yeah, honestly. Bookclub. It's a constant battle. I think similar to the earlier question, about like imposter syndrome and self-doubt, it's like you kind of just learn your own techniques and strategies to sort of navigate that because it's always going to be uncomfortable, it seems like. I think ultimately just trying to take things day by day, is ultimately the main sort of way to go about it, regardless of what you have on your schedule.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah I totally agree and I'm gonna follow up on the job search process. Again, apologizing in advance, because I know it is, it is -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: You know what, if it helps somebody, I'm here for it. Let's, and I'll rant, it's what I can do.

TYRA PARRISH: Maybe I'll get some tips from you because, yeah, this is rough. Okay, so can you talk about just the job search process in general? You already shared that it has been challenging, so what about it particularly is challenging and what are some things that have helped? Or things that you realize we're like, oh someone told me this is helpful, and then actually it's kind of not particularly as helpful as I thought it was.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: So, I think upon graduating, I had this mindset I was going to have a job pretty quickly and I feel that just comes from hearing, you know, like oh you went to Berkeley Public Health and you'll have jobs lining up, blah blah blah. Not dismissing how helpful it is to have Berkeley on your resume, but I was like, oh by the time I wrap up my student job in, at the end of July, I'll have my next job lined up. That's not been the case at all. Luckily I was talking to you, Tyra, yesterday about this, but luckily it seems I do have a job lined up but that's actually coming through Network, like networking. So I think that is definitely, and like I'm hearing from a lot of people also, that Network, like your network, whether it's just reaching out to someone on LinkedIn with mutual connections or to someone who you've worked with previously or whatnot, like it truly is everything. I remember, okay we were both LMU Lions, I remember first learning about LinkedIn from LMU and I would always joke, I feel like they're sponsored by LinkedIn or something because the way they shove it down our throats, and me still putting kind of more introverted and really despising just like informational interviews and anything like that, I was like - I don't like this. But they were right, it truly makes a world of a difference. But anyways, I think yeah, tips are networking, don't be afraid to reach out to people on LinkedIn. Something that I discovered recently is there's different groups on LinkedIn that you could join, whether and like different hashtags you could follow, whether it's following like an arcades hashtag public health jobs or there's this group called women in public health and there people will just post whether they have an available position open, or if you yourself are looking for a position and posting your resume ,and this is what I'm interested in. I did that on LinkedIn recently and within like 10 minutes I had two people reach out to me, like one who I already knew and someone who just came across the post, so definitely recommend doing that. LinkedIn is a resource, definitely take advantage of it.

For all the Berkeley girlies who are listening to this, particularly in public health, the RISE Center is amazing. They helped me just not in terms of, in this, at this current point of time, with finding a job, not that they didn't help me with that, but just keeping me mentally sane I guess with you know, you're not the only one going through this. And they'll help you with your cover letter, your resume, etc. So 10 out of 10 recommend reaching to them. Caitlyn Green was literally my savior when we were applying for practicum because I wrote the best cover letter for Expecting Justice, so yes, take advantage of that.

And I think also just don't take things personally. I've been applying, I've applied to I don't know how many jobs and I've only been interviewed twice I think and others I just did not hear from period. And I know other people who are going through the same thing, so I think just remember to not take it personally, and I know it's hard because we have to pay rent, you know, you can't just talk yourself down, there's, and like people have different needs, some more immediate, so I don't want to you know dismiss how stressful it is by any means, but it is really hard. I think being in public health from what I've witnessed and what I know, like we're such an under-paid, under-resourced field where even just people taking the time to try and hire somebody to help lower their workload is like a lot. So I think just keeping that unfortunate reality in mind, especially coming out of COVID. Like that's just kind of the reality right now, but I think also keep in mind that it's still summer, so like hopefully things will like be a bit more responsive come September. But yeah, just continue to be active, sign up for job listings, and try and set goals for yourself. I have a friend who aims to apply to one job a day, then she took a break for a week and then she's like back at it, you know. So just try and set small goals for yourself and it'll come with time, but there's also a lot of resources out there to help you.

TYRA PARRISH: Hi guys this is Tyra Parrish, your host for this episode, and we have reached the end of part one of this conversation with this amazing speaker. Don't look out yet because part two of this conversation has already been posted so go ahead and click over to the next page and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel and Spotify page.

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Part 2: Do the Change with Gabriela Gonzalez, MPH

TYRA PARRISH: Hey y'all, welcome to Part Two of our conversation with our amazing speaker on the Do The Change podcast, we're going to hop right back into the conversation. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, Spotify page, and follow us on Instagram at @dothechangepodcast.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, I love that, and I think too, for me this is something I struggle with which is using my networks that I have, and I think partially it's because even at LMU when they would, like push - like you said - LinkedIn, someone worked at LinkedIn that worked at LMU.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I'm 100% convinced.

TYRA PARRISH: Like I was like, stop talking about LinkedIn! Like it was to the point to where I didn't want to sign up for LinkedIn because they talked about it too much. Which is problematic but whatever. [laughter] I'll air myself out a bit. But I think that that's something that I personally struggle with, using my networks. Because for some reason, I don't know internally where I'm like, no these are organic connections I made with people. I don't want to feel like I'm like, hey, tap tap tap, like help me! Because, you know what I mean, where it's like I feel like I just connected with you because I like you, not because I'm like, you know this person, who knows this person, who knows this person, or whatever. But I think that hearing you talk about how that same network has helped you and is currently helping you really like made me - even when you're were talking - go like, dang maybe I should start tapping into that. And not feeling as bad like I'm like, oh my God they're going to think that I was using them for 5 years and waiting on this moment to say something like you know what I mean where even though I'm sure they're like, no Tyra I'm glad you asked. It does kind of feel that way sometimes.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah it could be daunting and I think it's also hard to like talk yourself up because you're trying to obviously sell yourself about being a good advocate and public health professional. But, I think, yeah, I understand that balance between like wanting to reach out to people but not wanting it be like, I'm just using you when I haven't hit you up in like X amount of time even though we've, you know, been suffering as students. A lot of these people have been there, and I think even just posting a status not directed towards anybody and then kind of letting it come to you I think that's a good way to, sort of, not have to worry about that fear of reaching out to someone specifically, so hopefully that helps.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, yeah and I think that hopefully for the folks who are listening that they get some insight on different ways to find jobs and not just like, yes, applying for jobs but also like you said, on LinkedIn. Just being like, hey this is my resume, this is who I am as a student, this is where I come from, this is the job I'm looking for, and like getting a connection that way like you just shared. And also, sending you good energy for that job you're talking about, good positive vibes. Hopefully by the time this posts, you're like I already got the job -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: - Like we need to go back and have a redo so I could talk about that!

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, yeah just just re-record this one section.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I know, I know. I'll wear the same outfit. [laughter]

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, okay, and so now we're going to jump into - so I guess I'm just gonna jump into it - but you are recently the editor of the Maternal and Child Health National Network. It's like a newsletter right, from my understanding?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Part of it, yeah, it's... I can't recall how long it's been around for but it came out of BU, Boston University, and it's basically - so MCH National Network, that's Maternal Child Health National Network - and it came out, yeah like I said, out of BU and it's mainly a place for, the groups that are part of it are the Center of Excellence Maternal Child Health groups like they're grants through, I believe HERSA, that exist across the country. So Berkeley has a Center of Excellence, BU has a Center of Excellence, I think other schools have Centers of Excellence. There's a good amount of them, there at least like 11 or 13, I think. And they're all across the US, but it's definitely an amazing way for people across, you know, state lines to be able to network and learn about the work happening in other MCH programs. But my specific role was a co-newsletter manager. I applied for that because one of my roles in my job pre grad school I had started doing a newsletter during Covid where I would just accumulate the fattest list of resources and send them to our care team, basically the ones who were interacting with the moms and the families, like our Health Educators, public health nurses, etc.. And that's something I found myself to really enjoy. And I remember actually being told when I was younger I should consider graphic design when I'm older. And so I've always kind of enjoyed digitally editing things like that so I love a full circle. But I appli - yeah so I applied to that and it was just like an unpaid volunteer position. But I definitely am glad I did it because it just, you know, gave me more exposure with newsletters, content creation, organizing virtual events, and how much of a struggle that is to try and like recruit and engage people especially online and again, across many different states. And I think it was just nice, you know, to have a chance to meet other amazing public health professionals and advocates and hear about the work that they're doing what they're interested in. Even though I'm in California and intend on staying in this bubble, it's just nice to know what's happening in other states, especially because you know there's a lot of other realities that a lot of families experience that are different from the ones here based on like policies and things as such that I think are always important to be knowledgeable of.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, and this is kind of like a tangent because of when you were saying that that you also were kind of clued into other Maternal Health issues or policies in other states. Is there one - I know this is like like impromptu - but is there, I guess, was there a policy or issue that kind of stuck out to you in comparison to because I know California in comparison to other states not that it's the best, I guess, site in regards to Maternal Health protections and policies, but definitely compared to certain states - Texas I'm looking at you -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I know. I know.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, but - yeah, was there - sorry, I have no beef with folks from Texas, but Texas, the state -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Texas, yes. I'm just picturing SpongeBob when he was shaped like Texas right now.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, exactly. So I guess was there anything, or yeah, any policy or issue that you noticed where it kind of stood out to you and maybe shocked you or was just like, oh what's going on over there?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I mean, I didn't learn about this specifically from the MCHNN but just something that I'm sure a lot of people have heard about is there was a recent case following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, where I'm pretty sure a teenager, if not a young adult, like younger than the both of us. Her mom took her to get an abortion I think across state lines, and then somehow, I don't know like the details of this, but the data on their phone - I think it was like Facebook messages - basically they ended up getting, I don't know if the word is prosecuted, I don't know. But just a private - I could try and find an article for you, I don't know if you have show notes or something, just you know sources. So I could try and find it because I'm not speaking super well about it, but I think, yeah, point being like you said there's still a lot that California has to work on but it's definitely been referred to as a leader in Maternal Child Health and the change that needs to happen and it's definitely considered a safe haven state when it comes to abortion. And I think, I just remember when Roe v. Wade was overturned and like how heavy my chest felt even knowing I'm in California, I'll be okay. I have health insurance, I'll be okay. I have close-knit resources, I'll be okay. You know, so I can only imagine what it's like in these other states, especially more rural communities, you know what that sort of panic is like especially if you're currently pregnant and that's something you were thinking about. And it's like happening within the same country you know, it's just crazy how different it is depending on what state you're in and it's just, yeah, it's just something that I don't know, it just blows my mind that this is such a debated topic, you know. To put it - that's not the best way to put it but -

TYRA PARRISH: It is, it's controversial and it's like maternal health and maternal protection so that mothers can have kids safely and so that these kids can enter the world safely like shouldn't be up for discussion and a woman should be able to do what they want with their body because it's their body.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Shouldn't be up for discussion.

TYRA PARRISH: And like, I think Kamala Harris brought up a point where she was like, she had asked... I don't remember what the conversation was, there was a whole bunch of other congressmen she asked like, what laws are there in place that police a man's body. Silence. Because there isn't one like, yeah. And it's just, yeah, it's mindboggling and like you said I remember when Roe v. Wade was overturned and I literally like - my brother is the youngest and the only boy, so I was like do you understand what just happened? And he was like, yeah it was overturned. I'm like, yes, but do you understand like how that impacts me, my sister, and mom, like do you get that? And he was just like, well, I've heard some things but I'm not quite sure. So I literally sat down, had a conversation about like this is what Roe v. Wade did, this is how it's being interpreted, and this is how it's affecting us. And he was just like, ohh. Just like, just, it's just scary!

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: It's scary that, yeah, this happened. Like we were able to witness this happening and the fact that that was even a priority and I think another thing I want to say is the fact that you know there's this push to force like women and birthing people to have children but then it's like, let's not expand Medicaid, let's not - you know, when there was the formula shortage happening like they were like, no we're not gonna do anything about that. It's like, what are you doing then to help people have safe and sustainable abilities to be able to raise their kids, but they don't do that. Not that if they were doing that it would be okay, but it's just hypocrisy! I'm like -

TYRA PARRISH: Like the full - the life cycle of a child is not just in the mother's womb, it's outside of it. And outside is not looking too good right now for kids! So it's just like... anyways this is a great transition into Tea Time with Tyra.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I love it.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, I see you already have your mug. I don't know if there's tea in it, but it's close enough. [Gabriela shows mug] Yes, we love - oh that's a cute mug! All I have is like chocolate milk, which is funny. [laughter]

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I've been craving chocolate milk for the longest time.

TYRA PARRISH: I feel like, I feel like I'm healing my inner child by drinking chocolate milk but whatever.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: You know what, yeah, like I said I've been craving it so no judgment whatsoever.

TYRA PARRISH: See this is why, this is why me and you are like - this is why we get it. Okay, so first question is, looking back on where you are now, if you could go back and tell your younger self some advice what would it be?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I mean I already talked about what my high school journey was like, but bringing that back up I think I would tell myself, you know... being a teenager is so hard and the amount of pressure that's put on kids that age, like literal children. Something I always talk about to my friends is it like blows my mind that people, you know, they graduate from high school like 17 or 18 and like move across the country you know to go to school. Like props to you, but I'm like that is insane. That is insane to me. And the amount of pressure that's put on literal children to have it all figured out when there's so much more to see. It's just awful and it needs to change, but I bring that up because I just remember how helpless I felt in high school about finding my path and something that I'm good at and I'm passionate about. And I put so much pressure on myself and I also had pressure around me obviously. But I think I would just tell myself, this feels, this time in your life feels like it's the biggest deal but it's such a small part of your life and and all these you know crushes on boys and school dances and blah, blah, blah. Like it's such a small fraction of your life and there's so much more to come and also that it's okay if you don't have it all figured out right now. Like even just between beginning of grad school and end of grad school I've changed so much let alone like undergrad to now. It's just, you're constantly evolving and I wish I could go back and tell myself that because yeah, high school was brutal.

TYRA PARRISH: Girl, I totally agree, yeah high school is rough. I literally moved schools in the middle of high school so I was in a whole new environment and I was like... Literally my approach in high school, which I don't know if it was the best approach, but it was like, I'm just here to go to college, like I didn't - it's really sad but it was like the only friends that I really had aside from the sprinkle of people who I met in class, it was like if they weren't on my volleyball team, I didn't know you. And I didn't make effort to get noticed, I'm like I'm not even going to see you guys after two years, like there's no guarantee we're going to college together. And so high school was just rough where I was just like, I'm just here to get the grades I need, to get to where I want to get to. And it was, it was sad sometimes. I was like, dang, if my volleyball friends aren't available I'm like, hm. But I feel, I mean, I feel like if I could go back in time I'd also tell myself that because definitely, comparison is the thief of joy and I totally was like, I should have this, and this, and this, and this. And then I was like but I'm not so there something's wrong with me. And it's just the amount of like - and then also hearing stories from our parents where the life was a lot easier and cheaper to do things. My mom was graduated at 17, had her own place by 18. But it's because it was cheaper and she just, she was also, yeah. My mom is that story where I was like, okay Mom, like we get it. So but she, it was just a different time where like now, you can't do that. And I think now having conversations with my mom, about that I think now she's more understanding of like, yeah actually it's not fair to expect y'all to have your own place or whatever. But yeah, I think I would also tell my younger self that, don't dim your light for others. I was so... yeah, I would dim my light for other people and then that would slow me down on whatever journey I was supposed to be on and it took me until literally grad school to be like, actually, no you're not going to dim my light, and if you are you're going to have to work real hard for it.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I definitely resonate with that. It's like I'm gonna like what I like, I'm gonna act how I want, I'm gonna, etc..

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, exactly. Ohh, okay. So I feel like the second question I was going to ask I feel like we kind of already talked about, so I'll skip to... oh, actually we kind of already talked about all of these. I'll just skip to the last one where it says -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: You know me and my tangents, I'm like, we're gonna cover everything.

TYRA PARRISH: No, but it's perfect because you know what the tangents were needed and I love tangents so I'm never gonna say no to a tangent, because I do tangents.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Thank goodness, I'll be back then because this was therapy. I'm like, therapy, expensive, podcast with Tyra, priceless. [laughter]

TYRA PARRISH: Okay, so next question is, how important is it for individuals from unrepresented racial or ethnic backgrounds to see folks who look like them, particularly in the field of Maternal Health, but feel free if it's just in general. Paternal Health? Whatever you feel like.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, for sure. Yeah, I think there's been obviously the past few years, a big shift in the way in like, you know, representation and leadership positions and film and media. My roommate and I in Berkeley would always talk about how crazy it is to see the different representation there is like in Disney movies now and I'm like, I can't imagine if I like grew up having that. It's crazy how in such a short amount of time it has evolved. But I think something that a lot of people still don't understand when it comes to representation is it's not just about, you know, what your appearance is. Like that's definitely so important but I think it's also, you know, what ideas do you have and how are you willing to challenge and change things for the better. Because I think just because you put a person of color in a leadership position it's like, okay look at what we did. You know? Like they're there now, but if they're just going to continue the same old, same old, it's kind of like how far does that really go? So I think representation needs to do a lot more and I think in terms of Maternal Child Health, statistics show that when black women have a black physician when they're giving birth, they're gonna have better outcomes. And I think that says a lot. But there's also situations which even happened with April Valentine here in LA where she did everything "right". She had a doula, she was preparing for her childbirth, but she still passed away, and she also had a black woman physician who was taking care of her. And I think that just goes to my point about how just the appearance isn't enough. But I think there's also, it's also simultaneously, it shouldn't just be up to, you know, people of color to resolve all these issues, it's like we have to all come together, you know? So it's like finding that balance, that way the burden isn't just you know, on them to resolve all the issues, you know, white men created. So it's like finding that balance is hard and I think a lot of people don't understand that but hopefully we'll keep moving in that direction. And I think also learning when it's time to listen or speak up is also a balance that people need to find in terms of when they're in certain spaces.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah and I think I want to add to your point about representation and just like it's not just the face of like, look we have a Black person, look we have a Latinx person, Asian person, and it's like, I feel like sometimes there's two different understandings of words depending on what group is saying it. Where it's like, people call it representation we are talking about the all-encompassing parts of representation for the most part, of like, you look like me, you also understand what like our communities go through and what we're going up against and stuff like that. Or if you have not perfect understanding but you are grounded in some type of understanding that is compassionate and understanding of someone who looks like you. And then sometimes with the folks who have been centered for a long time, white people specifically, white men in the field of healthcare, representation to them might just mean, look black person, look like it's all good! And it's just like, no! Like no, yes but no like that's part of - that's a small piece of the full puzzle like you were sharing. And I do think it could be something as little as like the black mermaid like Ariel, like that was super - I remember I told my friend I was like, I cried when I saw Ariel. Because to me, I'm like, grew up seeing the white Ariel cartoon, great. The lady was a great singer, they did a great job with the story. But then just like seeing yourself or like, oh my gosh and I'm like there's all these little kids, like, black kids around me in their mermaid costume and that's what really like made me cry. I'm like oh my gosh their first Ariel, is this Ariel, like imagine! And I remember I was like, told my friend I was crying, she's like, I don't know if I would cry if I saw the mermaid. I'm like, well, it's a little bit different because we're -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: It's different, yeah.

TYRA PARRISH: Like I'm like, I mean it's just, anyways it's just like that just means something deeper to community members and I also think even the actor when she was talking about it, she cried when she got the role because she thought she couldn't do it because it's been traditionally done by white women. And so it's something like that in addition to then seeing how good of a job she did and it was just like, oh! Like you did it justice, like you did exactly what needed to be done and then I kind of, I get that exact same feeling when I see folks from different communities of color going into these healthcare fields and doing the thing. Like you just went in there and did what needed to be done. But like you said it shouldn't fully be on those community members to do the right thing, it needs to be a collective effort. But sometimes I think the understanding of like, well, the only people who best understand communities of colors experience is community of color so let's make them do it. And it's just like, no, we are not caretakers!

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: It's so much more than that. Yeah, exactly, and I think that's something that's really important to me, especially coming into, you know, the Maternal Health space especially when it comes to Black maternal health equity and reproductive justice. Me, one, being someone who doesn't identify as Black, I'm Latina, both sides of my family are Cuban. And I've had my own experiences because of that especially growing up in a predominantly white, affluent neighborhood. But not, you know, being able to recognize the privileges I've grown up in because of my zip code and that I have a lot of other people who are also Latino/Latinx who I haven't had the same experiences as and... I just really find - that's why I brought up the point about realizing one's time to like speak up versus just sit back. Finding that balance is just super important not wanting to take up that space when you're in that room. So that's just something that's really important to me that I really value that I wish other people understood. But it's like, I don't even know how you teach that, you know? it's just kind of like, I don't know. Again, I've been lucky with the spaces that I've been able to be in because of my work experience in grad school and then just where I kind of intentionally wanted to navigate myself. But yeah representation still has a long way to go. And I like the point you brought up about community members because yes I may have like some three capital letters at the end of my name now but I'm still not an expert of anyone else's lived experience like that's why having community input is so important but what infrastructure do you have in place to support them to be able to do that work, because burnout is real.

TYRA PARRISH: Yep.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Especially like in terms of maternal health, like I know a lot of birth workers who are just exhausted and just aren't getting the support that they need and deserve. So hopefully things continue to change. I'm very nervous with the election next year, because I'm like, are we fed up yet because I thought we were a long time ago but we clearly are not. So I'm like, please. Like for a minute I had hope, especially with our generation because clearly we're one of the most... for lack of better words progressive liberal generations.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: But still, I'm like there's still a lot of questionable stuff out there so we'll see. I'm very nervous about it, given what happened a couple years ago with the last election. [talking together] What's happening now? I'm like can we wake up a little bit, please? But people like to, you know, exist in their bubble and do what they want, so yeah that'll be interesting to see how that plays out. But yeah, I'm nervous.

TYRA PARRISH: I'm very I mean nervous is a very good word because nervous is how I'm feeling about it. Where I'm like, I'm seeing people getting it, but I need you to then act on -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ:Yeah.

TYRA PARRISH: - you getting it. And that's where it gets a little dicey with all generations to be honest. And then with all the behind the scenes political gerrymandering that they're doing.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ:Yeah, and like voter suppression. There's been a lot of dialogue lately about term limits.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, for the older folks, yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Oh my God. I just saw what happened with Diane Feinstein, like, oh my God!

TYRA PARRISH: And like, it's no disrespect but also a little disrespect. Like, of like - sorry - like no disrespect of like... because it's like, no disrespect is part of, I guess, my just culturally raised to respect elders, but also disrespect of like, you need to leave. It's like there should be some rule of if you are more than XYZ generations away from the current generation that's your last turn, buddy. Like you need to go.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Because it's like all these decisions you're making, you're not going to be around to see the outcomes of! But you know, of course, of course, they have to stay in power and protect America and blah, blah, blah, blah. Yeah, so complicated. I'm like, why do we, why does it have to be like this? Yeah, anyways.

TYRA PARRISH: Anyways, so sadly we are coming to a close of this amazing conversation. But I also just want to thank you for being here, for being opus - for being opus, open, I don't know what opus means - but -

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Another, another word you're gonna copyright.

TYRA PARRISH: Oh, right. At this point, I got two. [laughter] Thank you for being open and honest with me and also the folks who are listening. I'm more than certain they got some gems and really cool insight, and definitely some inspo on just how to navigate grad school, postgrad, and then just thinking through some things that are going on in the Maternal Health field and politics as a current - because I'm going to keep on saying current because I'm putting that in your life and in your spirit - current policy advocate so period. And so I want to end with some questions about self-care and also if you have any closing thoughts or advice that you want to give to our listeners feel free. So the first question is, are there any books, podcasts - wink wink, I'm just kidding - and organizations that you recommend to folks, just in general that you found helpful.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I feel like definitely want to shout out - this isn't related to self care - but I want to shout out an initiative here in LA County called the AAIMM initiative that is short for the African-American Infant Maternal Mortality initiative. They - it's an amazing group of primarily black women leading that effort. They've been around I think since 2018, 2019? And I've learned a lot through them, I've been lucky enough to work with them. They had a policy roll out because of their work, called the AAIMM Doula Program. They're continuing to expand and they exist all throughout LA County, so I definitely think people should keep up with them on social media. They're always doing virtual events to engage with community and, you know, talk about the importance of this work and this issue that exists and should not exist, for lack of better words. I'm trying to wrap up instead of having a tangent, but yes, everyone check them out. In terms of books, I am trying to get better at reading. You know me just scrolling on social media, trying to not do that but Tik Tok just has me in a chokehold. But what book did I read recently...? I can't remember, so I shouldn't have even brought that up. But yes, everyone look at the AAIMM Initiative. Again, I don't know if you do show notes, but I could send you all of that so we can leave a lil hyperlink. Yes.

TYRA PARRISH: Okay, cool. I think I'll add a book that I, I haven't finished it, which is lowkey going against the name of the book itself. It's called The Power of Now and I definitely stopped. But - [laughter] but it's good! It's called like, literally just like when you think of something that you need to do and you're like, oh, I'll do it later - no, do it now. Because what's stopping - the same amount of minutes are going to pass, right? But then I stopped reading that book and I was like, hmm.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, like I'm not taking their advice.

TYRA PARRISH: But when I did read it I felt empowered.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I should read that because, I mean I've gotten better. Like something I'll tell myself is like, if I have to do something whether it's applying for a job or just doing my skincare routine, I'm like Gaby, are you gonna want to do it anymore later than you will right now, you know, so just get it over with. But yeah, it's a real struggle, procrastination is definitely -

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I appreciate the book recommendation since I couldn't think of one off the top of my head.

TYRA PARRISH: No, I'm literally saying that because that was a book where I was like sh - I left it at my mom's house and I was like, dang I'm supposed to take it with me. Guess I didn't do it when I when I wanted to so I didn't read it.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: When I get those questions, I just like forget. It's like when people ask your favorite song or movie. I'm like, I just forgot every song or movie that ever existed.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, with the whole playlist titled, "Favorite Songs." Forgot.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, like I don't listen to music, like I don't know what you're talking about.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, like what? Okay. Last question. What are some daily or weekly self-care routines or habits that you have incorporated into your life?

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, I'm actually trying to get back into that. I actually worked out for the first time in like weeks this morning. 'Cause I was doing a pretty good job in July but then I moved and then came back home and like everything's messy and chaotic. But I tried to do that. It was just for 20 minutes and it was like low impact, but I think I just tell myself that something is better than nothing. And I'm trying to tell myself that with other habits I want to incorporate into my day, whether it's, you know, reading, just moving my body in some way. Like I used to have - expect myself to be like, okay workout for 30 minutes or an hour on the treadmill, like these unrealistic goals. And I've definitely gotten a lot better just being like, just start small and like, you know, work your way up, and it's better than nothing. So I'm trying to put those back into my routine little by little so hopefully I continue to make progress.

TYRA PARRISH: Yeah, and I love that you're being kind to yourself while you're doing it. Where you're like, something's better than nothing, at least I'm doing something little. And being kind to yourself is also how you build those habits over time, so.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, it's been a journey to accept that. Especially with working out, you know. Or like, I like to call it moving my body because working out just sounds too intimidating. Like I just want to move my body, you know. Yeah that's a whole other thing, that's another podcast episode. [laughter]

TYRA PARRISH: Wait, I have to send you... because I was also - because I'm going to be working remote or because I am currently working remote, the movement thing is so real. But I found this girl, she choreographs very short 10/15 minute movement things to your favorite songs or your favorite mashups or Tik Tok whatever stuff. I'm gonna have to send it to you because those moves were fun. I was like, yes, this is the exact movement I thought I would do.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: I know, yeah, and it's nothing like, you're not doing planks or whatever, you're moving your arms like this.

TYRA PARRISH: No, yeah, you're just dancing. You're like, yeah like I was doing it in my house, I said this, I can get behind.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, please send because I love those types of videos. It's like, let's make this more exciting, you know.

TYRA PARRISH: Yes, yes. Well, I'm so sad to leave because like I love talking to you. So I just want to say again, thank you for coming on this podcast and thank you to the folks who are listening, and yeah, thank you so much for tuning in, and yeah thanks for coming Gaby. We love and appreciate you for being here and sharing your wisdom with us.

GABRIELA GONZALEZ: Yeah, thanks for having me and hopefully everyone got through, again, my tangents.

TYRA PARRISH: It's all good. Alrighty, bye!