Recently, I left a student leadership role at my institution. This was not because of a lack of capacity This was not because I was not capable of doing the job to a high standard And this was not because I necessarily wanted to. I left because the environment was draining. The space itself did not allow my personal activism to flourish and grow the way it deserves to, and no space should ever make you feel this way. But, this is not a time to be sad, but a time to feel empowered. Leaving a job post, or leaving any position that is situated in a negative, toxic environment can be an empowering experience, that reminds you of your power, and how you have autonomy over who you surround yourself with, and what you expose your body and mind to. I always refer back to the life-changing work of bell hooks, who writes about love, space, and relationships in such a beautiful way. She writes how you need to love yourself in a way that helps you spiritually grow, and your environment and th