We became

physicians caring for babies, the vulnerable, the wounded, the addicted, and the elderly,

labor and community organizers and attorneys fighting for social justice and human rights,

neuroscientists, psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists seeking a deeper understanding of what it is to be human,

evolutionary biologists, ecologists, and foresters studying and defending nature,

linguists working to preserve and revitalize indigenous languages,

scholars, teachers, and trainers of teachers,

filmmakers, dancers, musicians, artists, and curators of art and artifacts,

writers of poetry, prose, and computer code,

seekers of enlightenment, spiritual guides, and healers of souls,

inventors and polymaths,

builders of a sustainable future,

and advocates for progressive legislators and legislation.