Short life update
Things I've been up to lately.
5/31/23
Hey everyone,
I hope you’re all doing well and in good spirits. I know it’s been a minute since I’ve written about my personal life, so I wanted to share some updates!
Let’s start with the good news:
Earlier this month, I wrapped up my internship with the Florida House Democrats Office. After my campaign ended, I decided I wanted to learn more about how politics and government works at the State level. At times, I felt demoralized watching our rights and institutions weakened by legislation, but I’m so glad I was able to serve and witness the strength of our leaders. Their resolve was uplifting and still makes me believe that Florida can be restored into an affordable state where its people and environment are protected.
I finished my internship a few days early to attend a conference in Houston. Every year, the American Association of Blacks in Energy host a convening to bring together Black people within the Energy industry. I’m not sure if most of you are fully aware, but politics is not my main job. I pay my bills by working as a Research Fellow with the Energy and Policy Institute, where I recently co-authored a report about post-pandemic utility disconnections. I won’t get too far into the weeds, but I had a great time at the conference reconnecting with people and fostering new relationships. If you’re ever thinking about fair and just pathways to lower energy bills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions & reliance on natural gas, or reforming the monopolistic market structure of utilities, please let me know! I’d be happy to collaborate.
And finally, time for the bad news.
Unfortunately, Dr. Van Durme passed away last night. He succumbed to his injuries from traffic crash he was in recently. His wife said you can honor his life and memory by being kind and working to serve the good of everyone.
Last, but not least, Benji and I are moving! We’re leaving Tallahassee once our lease expires in August. We were supposed to leave three years ago, after we both graduated, but Benji let me stay a little longer because I wanted to try to make a difference here. I first moved to Tallahassee in 2014, when I started college. Almost 10 years later, Benji and I are ready to live in a bigger city where there’s more opportunity and liveliness. After a short stay with my parents in Clermont, we’ll head on up to DC next year! I don’t know how long we’ll be there. I plan on applying to law school in September and FSU is on my list. Hopefully this is just a break for now and we’ll come back in the future and give running for office another try.
That’s all I have for now! I hope you all stay well and please add me on Facebook, or text me - 850-270-8440, if you’d like to talk more. I’ve realized that this newsletter is a little one-sided.
Stay well,
Shelby