Now Boarding...
An introductory note.
Hey, hey! Come on in. I hope you'll stay a while. In this introduction post, I'll answer some questions that will frame this space I'm cultivating.
Who is Jéri?
If you read my bio you know my name is pronounced juh-REE not Jerry (That’s my Dad). Listen to me pronounce my name …
So, you’ve just learned I am pretty serious about correctly pronouncing my name. Just as important, I am Black, queer/pansexual, an educator, a triple Sagitarrius, a traveler, a researcher, a middle (and oldest) sister, a writer.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA in a family full of educators and activists. I moved to the DC area to attend Howard University and stayed for nearly 20 years minus a two-year hiatus that took me to Abu Dhabi and then Houston. I have a Doctorate of Education (EdD not PhD), am a former K12 educator, currently a professor, education non-profit worker, and entrepreneur. I’ll probably write about all of that here.
What makes me smile?
Always my four nieces. They really make my world go round. Coming in a close second is my pup, Morrison Hines. Yes, he is in fact named after literary genius Toni Morrison and Super Bowl winning wide receiver Hines Ward.
You can find me smiling at shades of purple, plants, romantic gestures, deals on my fave skincare products, intricately tied knots, vacations, tattoo appointments, cran-raspberry juice, Black people laughing, perfectly crisp fries, and many, many other things. Pleasure is paramount.
When did I start writing?
I have been storytelling, doodling, and writing for as long as I can remember. My mom often shares about my piles of paper that could be found around my room growing up. Piles of paper with random lists, a few sentences of a story, the first and third stanzas of a poem, a quote from a movie or book. The piles have not really changed but they’re virtually in my notes app on my phone.
Fun (or perhaps mediocre) fact: I graduated from the same school as Billy Porter. I attended The Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) as a Literary Arts major. It provided a phenomenal foundation for an adolescent Black girl who felt empowered to explore expression through writing. Also, this was at the height of Def Poetry Jam and slam poetry teams. You couldn’t tell me nothing when I had a mic and an audience. Once I graduated, I slowed down a bit on publicly sharing my writing. Part of that was my journey to finding myself outside of who I was in high school and part of that was navigating the space of not being the best in the room at something I had been the best in the room at for so long. I retreated.
Years later I began to write again on Tumblr and later different variations of blogs. As I gained more experience in my profession, I began to explore academic publications. As a recently minted doctor, I am finding harmony between academic and non-academic writing.
Where is my favorite place?
Travel is a big part of this space, so of course I am to talk about a few of my faves and preferences. I have been to over 30 countries. I believe everyone, but especially women, should travel solo at least once in her life. I have a pretty strict boundary around meeting people at the gate because I like to get to the airport when I do and that’s never 2 hours early.
Favorite US City: New Orleans with Chicago in a strong second place (that damn cold!)
Favorite International City: Cartagena feels like a homecoming
Favorite Country in Africa: South Africa but Rwanda is really close and a great intro country to the continent
Aisle or Window: I am a window, girly all day! Let me get settled and snuggle up on the window so that I can go to sleep.
Carry On or Checked: DEFINITELY #teamcarryon! I rarely take a checked bag because 1) I don’t like to wait in Baggage Claim, 2) Airlines lose bags way too often for my liking, and 3) I am really good at packing, which is a skill that began in high school as an award-winning grocery store bagger (I’ll tell this story later).
Generally, when traveling my vibe is a combination of a visit to what makes that destination famous and what the local community enjoys. I love a walking tour. I’ve been to most of the “top cities'‘ in Europe but at this stage in my life, I am much more likely to travel to a country where seeing people who look like me doesn’t require too much searching. Most of my travel around the US has been because of work but I do like to make the most of those trips. Right now, I’m wondering between Antarctica or Alaska for my 40th birthday. Thankfully, I have two years to decide.
How do I think (hope) The Nomadic Scholar will impact readers (and myself)?
With all that said, I am happy to have you here. I have an insatiable love for traveling, education, love, and everything that makes life meaningful, My hope is that you’ll enjoy this as a space where life’s complexities meet joy, curiosity, and unapologetic self-expression. Consistency is my word for 38/2025 and I believe writing here will keep me accountable. Through essays, stories, and reflections, I will explore the intersections of identity, intellect, and adventure. Join me as I navigate the world, unpack big ideas, and savor the small, beautiful moments.
Share your thoughts and/or ask a question in the comments!
Thank you for reading The Nomadic Scholar! If you’d like to support beyond or in addition to pledging to a paid subscription you can:
Buy me a map. Figuratively speaking that is. This is a way to support me without committing to a paid subscription.
Book me. I write, but I also speak and facilitate. Check me out.
Share this post.
I was supposed to find you! I'm pretty serious about people pronouncing my name correctly, too. I'm "DEAN-nuh," not DeAnna. I'm also in the DMV, and I'm a triple fire sign, Sag, Leo, and Aries. I am subscribing. I want to read/hear more from you.
Sooo proud of you!!!