There are a lot of Baraka memories I treasure and could share here. Today I particularly want to share one.
I am struggling to finish my PhD. Studying is scary, I already have an extension and worry I am going to waste it. But no, I sit down with some fresh coffee and a blank piece of paper, staring at the crazy wind outside. I close my eyes. I plan what I have to do and it becomes more and more daunting. Then an image pops in.

What would Baraka do?

I haven’t thought of Baraka in months. But now I remember, clear as day. We are both barely 20, I come into Baraka’s college room. It’s a sanctuary of courage and hard work. Inspiration on every corner. Beautiful quotes on every wall. It’s early morning we’ve come back from rowing, but I can tell she has already been studying today (or late last night). But there is none of the classic moan or anxious sigh we all had in our early undergraduate years. There is a massive jubilant smile on the face of this amazing modest young woman. And suddenly it becomes apparent too me. She is going to change the world one day. She has this quite virtue of saints I have only read about.

I open my eyes with the sudden realization of two things. I can do this. And my wet cheeks make me realize with a pang of surprise how much I miss her.