Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
@wanderlustthreader.bsky.social
College lecturer by day, storyteller always. Fulbright U.S. Scholar. Aspiring author fueled by wanderlust, weaving borders—real, imagined, & in-between—through words & photos. Doctor Who. PhD in Education. Spain based for now.
More info: linktr.ee/cehm
More info: linktr.ee/cehm
Pinned
I’ve never truly felt like I belonged. On trips or in familiar cities, I still felt out of place. In Spain, that changed; it became home.
Fulbright made that possible. It is more than an award. With it under attack, I’m sharing my story. Want to read more? Check out the link ⬇️
#fulbright #research
Fulbright made that possible. It is more than an award. With it under attack, I’m sharing my story. Want to read more? Check out the link ⬇️
#fulbright #research
I just lost the game, thanks to my 11 year old.
And this means you lost the game, too. 🫠
#thegame #milleniallife
And this means you lost the game, too. 🫠
#thegame #milleniallife
November 11, 2025 at 3:19 AM
I just lost the game, thanks to my 11 year old.
And this means you lost the game, too. 🫠
#thegame #milleniallife
And this means you lost the game, too. 🫠
#thegame #milleniallife
🧵 (1/2) He always talks about how he's the best at some nonsense.
So, let's make sure to give him a round of applause [sarcasm] for this record breaking facts he can add to his stats sheet:
#governmentshutdown #politics
So, let's make sure to give him a round of applause [sarcasm] for this record breaking facts he can add to his stats sheet:
#governmentshutdown #politics
November 5, 2025 at 12:22 AM
🧵 (1/2) He always talks about how he's the best at some nonsense.
So, let's make sure to give him a round of applause [sarcasm] for this record breaking facts he can add to his stats sheet:
#governmentshutdown #politics
So, let's make sure to give him a round of applause [sarcasm] for this record breaking facts he can add to his stats sheet:
#governmentshutdown #politics
Wild to think we have a person in power who believes they're so above the law that it’s justifiable & logical to deny people access to food because they want to take away people's access to health care.
Alas, logic was not the MAGA campaign. Nor was humanization.
#SNAP #governmentshutdown
Alas, logic was not the MAGA campaign. Nor was humanization.
#SNAP #governmentshutdown
November 4, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Wild to think we have a person in power who believes they're so above the law that it’s justifiable & logical to deny people access to food because they want to take away people's access to health care.
Alas, logic was not the MAGA campaign. Nor was humanization.
#SNAP #governmentshutdown
Alas, logic was not the MAGA campaign. Nor was humanization.
#SNAP #governmentshutdown
Elmo went as Luffy from One Piece for Halloween this year.
And the fact he went as a pirate who fights corrupt government rule after PBS and in turn, Sesame Street, had their federal funding cut seems too coincidental to be, well, mere coincidence, and I'm loving it.
#luffy #elmo #sesamestreet
And the fact he went as a pirate who fights corrupt government rule after PBS and in turn, Sesame Street, had their federal funding cut seems too coincidental to be, well, mere coincidence, and I'm loving it.
#luffy #elmo #sesamestreet
November 2, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Elmo went as Luffy from One Piece for Halloween this year.
And the fact he went as a pirate who fights corrupt government rule after PBS and in turn, Sesame Street, had their federal funding cut seems too coincidental to be, well, mere coincidence, and I'm loving it.
#luffy #elmo #sesamestreet
And the fact he went as a pirate who fights corrupt government rule after PBS and in turn, Sesame Street, had their federal funding cut seems too coincidental to be, well, mere coincidence, and I'm loving it.
#luffy #elmo #sesamestreet
Day 5 in a row of writing. ❤️
October 29, 2025 at 6:59 AM
Day 5 in a row of writing. ❤️
🧵 (1/2) Explain your WIP.
I'll go first. Working on a cool project with @midnightgaea.bsky.social
Our pre-teen main character carries ancestral knowledge of deep resistance, while the neighborhood ravens enact it, believing in the future that humans have given up on or just don't care.
#writing
I'll go first. Working on a cool project with @midnightgaea.bsky.social
Our pre-teen main character carries ancestral knowledge of deep resistance, while the neighborhood ravens enact it, believing in the future that humans have given up on or just don't care.
#writing
October 28, 2025 at 7:42 PM
🧵 (1/2) Explain your WIP.
I'll go first. Working on a cool project with @midnightgaea.bsky.social
Our pre-teen main character carries ancestral knowledge of deep resistance, while the neighborhood ravens enact it, believing in the future that humans have given up on or just don't care.
#writing
I'll go first. Working on a cool project with @midnightgaea.bsky.social
Our pre-teen main character carries ancestral knowledge of deep resistance, while the neighborhood ravens enact it, believing in the future that humans have given up on or just don't care.
#writing
February of 2024 I told myself I'd write (non-academic work) daily.
Then life got busy. I had to prepare for Spain. Teaching 8 classes, etc.
Made a decision yesterday that I'd adopt that again.
Yesterday, I wrote 157 words, still significant to me.
Today, I wrote 1,028. ❤️
#writing #writer
Then life got busy. I had to prepare for Spain. Teaching 8 classes, etc.
Made a decision yesterday that I'd adopt that again.
Yesterday, I wrote 157 words, still significant to me.
Today, I wrote 1,028. ❤️
#writing #writer
October 26, 2025 at 7:16 AM
What if we’ve been missing it this whole time?
We’ve always had the answer to life, the universe, and everything, that's clear: 42.
What if the Ultimate Question… was simply a multiplication question after all?
Because, really, two factors of 42 are… 6 and 7. 🫠
#hitchhikersguide #answertolife
We’ve always had the answer to life, the universe, and everything, that's clear: 42.
What if the Ultimate Question… was simply a multiplication question after all?
Because, really, two factors of 42 are… 6 and 7. 🫠
#hitchhikersguide #answertolife
October 24, 2025 at 9:04 PM
What if we’ve been missing it this whole time?
We’ve always had the answer to life, the universe, and everything, that's clear: 42.
What if the Ultimate Question… was simply a multiplication question after all?
Because, really, two factors of 42 are… 6 and 7. 🫠
#hitchhikersguide #answertolife
We’ve always had the answer to life, the universe, and everything, that's clear: 42.
What if the Ultimate Question… was simply a multiplication question after all?
Because, really, two factors of 42 are… 6 and 7. 🫠
#hitchhikersguide #answertolife
My friend Rhiana is graduating after a tumultuous journey. She still made Dean's List while working, too. She's always that friend who remembers your birthday and celebrates you. Now she's walking across that stage and I want it to be pure joy, not stress about fees. ❤️ (1/2)
#graduation #gofundme
#graduation #gofundme
October 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
My friend Rhiana is graduating after a tumultuous journey. She still made Dean's List while working, too. She's always that friend who remembers your birthday and celebrates you. Now she's walking across that stage and I want it to be pure joy, not stress about fees. ❤️ (1/2)
#graduation #gofundme
#graduation #gofundme
What do you admire about yourself? It's so easy to get bogged down by the world, pressures, and narratives that exist out there. So, what is something you find really beautiful about yourself?
October 17, 2025 at 5:29 AM
What do you admire about yourself? It's so easy to get bogged down by the world, pressures, and narratives that exist out there. So, what is something you find really beautiful about yourself?
As a former Starbucks "partner," the irony isn't lost on me. They shut down stores with little/no notice; some employees even showed up to work only to find out they'd lost their jobs.
Boycotts work: $12B loss for Target, $4B for Hulu.
Another reason to skip the bux? Here you go.
Boycotts work: $12B loss for Target, $4B for Hulu.
Another reason to skip the bux? Here you go.
September 29, 2025 at 5:20 AM
As a former Starbucks "partner," the irony isn't lost on me. They shut down stores with little/no notice; some employees even showed up to work only to find out they'd lost their jobs.
Boycotts work: $12B loss for Target, $4B for Hulu.
Another reason to skip the bux? Here you go.
Boycotts work: $12B loss for Target, $4B for Hulu.
Another reason to skip the bux? Here you go.
Transitioning back to SD has been rough, but I finally visited @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social. I haven't been since they were in Clairemont (and been going since 2005.)
I took my kids & 2 good friends. It was a nice reminder of what community can look & feel like, even if you don't know everybody.❤️
I took my kids & 2 good friends. It was a nice reminder of what community can look & feel like, even if you don't know everybody.❤️
September 15, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Transitioning back to SD has been rough, but I finally visited @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social. I haven't been since they were in Clairemont (and been going since 2005.)
I took my kids & 2 good friends. It was a nice reminder of what community can look & feel like, even if you don't know everybody.❤️
I took my kids & 2 good friends. It was a nice reminder of what community can look & feel like, even if you don't know everybody.❤️
Reposted by Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
🧵If we care about public health, how can we ignore the forced starvation and genocide of the people in Gaza
Zainab was 5 months old. She needed dairy-free formula for a milk protein allergy. There was none. She starved to death. She is one of thousands. Look at her face. Say her name. Take action.👇
Zainab was 5 months old. She needed dairy-free formula for a milk protein allergy. There was none. She starved to death. She is one of thousands. Look at her face. Say her name. Take action.👇
July 29, 2025 at 9:23 PM
🧵If we care about public health, how can we ignore the forced starvation and genocide of the people in Gaza
Zainab was 5 months old. She needed dairy-free formula for a milk protein allergy. There was none. She starved to death. She is one of thousands. Look at her face. Say her name. Take action.👇
Zainab was 5 months old. She needed dairy-free formula for a milk protein allergy. There was none. She starved to death. She is one of thousands. Look at her face. Say her name. Take action.👇
Wild how the anti-mask crowd of 2020, a mask that helped save lives, suddenly became pro-mask in 2025 when the kidnappers of ICE started using them to conceal their identity during kidnappings.
It's almost like it had nothing to do with freedom or their ability to breathe. Shocking. 🙄
It's almost like it had nothing to do with freedom or their ability to breathe. Shocking. 🙄
July 29, 2025 at 7:22 PM
Wild how the anti-mask crowd of 2020, a mask that helped save lives, suddenly became pro-mask in 2025 when the kidnappers of ICE started using them to conceal their identity during kidnappings.
It's almost like it had nothing to do with freedom or their ability to breathe. Shocking. 🙄
It's almost like it had nothing to do with freedom or their ability to breathe. Shocking. 🙄
Remember when anti-DEI Target lost $12B? Paramount gets 67% from TV & 24% from streaming. If you're pissed they axed @colbertlateshow.bsky.social to focus on boot-licking & Trump foot-kissing, remember: when folks bail en masse, it hits hard. Just ask Target how that worked out.
July 18, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Remember when anti-DEI Target lost $12B? Paramount gets 67% from TV & 24% from streaming. If you're pissed they axed @colbertlateshow.bsky.social to focus on boot-licking & Trump foot-kissing, remember: when folks bail en masse, it hits hard. Just ask Target how that worked out.
If you're a student at SDSU and you're looking for a cool new class to take for fall, consider taking Sociology 496: Visual Methods with me.
A few things planned: photograph, picture books, and more. But! I need about 6 more folks to sign up.
Interested? Let me know.
#sdsu #sociology #fallclasses
A few things planned: photograph, picture books, and more. But! I need about 6 more folks to sign up.
Interested? Let me know.
#sdsu #sociology #fallclasses
July 16, 2025 at 10:04 PM
If you're a student at SDSU and you're looking for a cool new class to take for fall, consider taking Sociology 496: Visual Methods with me.
A few things planned: photograph, picture books, and more. But! I need about 6 more folks to sign up.
Interested? Let me know.
#sdsu #sociology #fallclasses
A few things planned: photograph, picture books, and more. But! I need about 6 more folks to sign up.
Interested? Let me know.
#sdsu #sociology #fallclasses
I'm convinced Your Idol did its job so well, that now the algorithms are actually just reflective of Saja Boys' hold on all of us, so we just keep playing the songs and the movie on repeat.
And honestly, I'm cool with it.
#kpopdemonhunters #kdh #movie #sajaboys
And honestly, I'm cool with it.
#kpopdemonhunters #kdh #movie #sajaboys
July 15, 2025 at 8:52 PM
I'm convinced Your Idol did its job so well, that now the algorithms are actually just reflective of Saja Boys' hold on all of us, so we just keep playing the songs and the movie on repeat.
And honestly, I'm cool with it.
#kpopdemonhunters #kdh #movie #sajaboys
And honestly, I'm cool with it.
#kpopdemonhunters #kdh #movie #sajaboys
I really should be writing, trying to take some pieces of my dissertation, finished a while ago, and turning them into articles, but instead I keep dancing to Golden, Soda Pop, and Your Idol, so I guess tenure-track possibilities can wait. 😅 #phdlife #kpopdemonhunter
July 13, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I really should be writing, trying to take some pieces of my dissertation, finished a while ago, and turning them into articles, but instead I keep dancing to Golden, Soda Pop, and Your Idol, so I guess tenure-track possibilities can wait. 😅 #phdlife #kpopdemonhunter
For my async classes, I do a fun syllabus quiz with hidden questions. One I have is, "If you were a resident sociologist on a TV show, what would it be and your catchphrase?” The answers have me grinning. Small thing, but it’s got me so hyped for this summer class. Loving this!
#sociology #phdlife
#sociology #phdlife
July 8, 2025 at 8:07 PM
For my async classes, I do a fun syllabus quiz with hidden questions. One I have is, "If you were a resident sociologist on a TV show, what would it be and your catchphrase?” The answers have me grinning. Small thing, but it’s got me so hyped for this summer class. Loving this!
#sociology #phdlife
#sociology #phdlife
This 4th I can't help but be reminded by Paulo Freire's work.
We should be reminded that one of the only requirements for the violation of a person or group of people is to dehumanize them, which means nobody is human. Even those who have internalized the oppressor's beliefs.
#paulofreire
We should be reminded that one of the only requirements for the violation of a person or group of people is to dehumanize them, which means nobody is human. Even those who have internalized the oppressor's beliefs.
#paulofreire
July 4, 2025 at 9:46 PM
This 4th I can't help but be reminded by Paulo Freire's work.
We should be reminded that one of the only requirements for the violation of a person or group of people is to dehumanize them, which means nobody is human. Even those who have internalized the oppressor's beliefs.
#paulofreire
We should be reminded that one of the only requirements for the violation of a person or group of people is to dehumanize them, which means nobody is human. Even those who have internalized the oppressor's beliefs.
#paulofreire
Reposted by Charlene Holkenbrink-Monk
In case you’re not up to date on your Constitutional Rights, betting eaten by alligators in a 100 degree swamp is absolutely a violation of 8th Amendment protections against “cruel and unusual punishments.”
ESPECIALLY for people who have not been found guilty of a crime.
ESPECIALLY for people who have not been found guilty of a crime.
July 4, 2025 at 4:53 PM
In case you’re not up to date on your Constitutional Rights, betting eaten by alligators in a 100 degree swamp is absolutely a violation of 8th Amendment protections against “cruel and unusual punishments.”
ESPECIALLY for people who have not been found guilty of a crime.
ESPECIALLY for people who have not been found guilty of a crime.
In some ways, I'm not thrilled about returning to San Diego.
In others, I'm ready. I've been gone for almost 6 months.
I look forward to connecting with folks & finding roots in my community, like going to writing groups and bookstores (shoutout @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social)
20 more days.
In others, I'm ready. I've been gone for almost 6 months.
I look forward to connecting with folks & finding roots in my community, like going to writing groups and bookstores (shoutout @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social)
20 more days.
July 3, 2025 at 9:33 PM
In some ways, I'm not thrilled about returning to San Diego.
In others, I'm ready. I've been gone for almost 6 months.
I look forward to connecting with folks & finding roots in my community, like going to writing groups and bookstores (shoutout @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social)
20 more days.
In others, I'm ready. I've been gone for almost 6 months.
I look forward to connecting with folks & finding roots in my community, like going to writing groups and bookstores (shoutout @mystgalaxybooks.bsky.social)
20 more days.
The NEH released its Public Scholars award last month.
Notice the mention of how ideals of democracy have consistently been met, while we have oligarchs running the show, and the emphasis on only economic freedom while the rich take away medical care & cut taxes on themselves.
#neh #humamities
Notice the mention of how ideals of democracy have consistently been met, while we have oligarchs running the show, and the emphasis on only economic freedom while the rich take away medical care & cut taxes on themselves.
#neh #humamities
July 2, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The NEH released its Public Scholars award last month.
Notice the mention of how ideals of democracy have consistently been met, while we have oligarchs running the show, and the emphasis on only economic freedom while the rich take away medical care & cut taxes on themselves.
#neh #humamities
Notice the mention of how ideals of democracy have consistently been met, while we have oligarchs running the show, and the emphasis on only economic freedom while the rich take away medical care & cut taxes on themselves.
#neh #humamities
Yet, this is the regime of government waste and economic prosperity, right? 🙄
The Trump administration is currently holding hostage nearly $7B in federal funding for K-12 schools--funding that was supposed to be distributed yesterday.
They've stolen $80M from Wisconsin students and teachers alone. How much have they stolen from your state?
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
They've stolen $80M from Wisconsin students and teachers alone. How much have they stolen from your state?
www.edweek.org/policy-polit...
See How Much School Funding Trump Is Holding Back From Your State
The administration is holding back nearly $7 billion for English learners, after-school programs, professional development, and more.
www.edweek.org
July 2, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Yet, this is the regime of government waste and economic prosperity, right? 🙄