In this chapter, the author reflects on important life events that sparked their interest in geography and shaped their professional development trajectory. As the author demonstrates, becoming a geographer is an ongoing process that never stops. At each step of the way, enabling environments transformed a burgeoning love of geography and interest in social and spatial difference into a drive to pursue a career in geography. These experiences demonstrate potentially important lessons for geographers from all backgrounds: as geographers gain senior status and take on leadership responsibilities in their department, university, and discipline, they assume new responsibilities for cultivating environments that inspire future generations of geographers.
