This weekend was nothing short of unforgettable.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey — it’s been a long time comin’.
I especially want to thank Michael, my parents, and my kids for encouraging me to walk and actually celebrate. For a long time, I didn’t think this moment deserved fanfare. I convinced myself that it was “just a piece of paper” or that too much time had passed for it to matter. But walking across that stage changed something in me. It felt like reclaiming a piece of myself I’d nearly given up on. Seeing my support system beaming with pride from the audience made every bit of it worth it.
For those who missed it, 9NEWS aired coverage of the graduation and my commencement address tonight. They also shared some final news I’ve kept close to the vest: Starting in the fall of 2025, I’m joining UNC’s faculty as an adjunct professor teaching criminal justice. I’ll be writing original curriculum focused on ethical true crime creation and its impacts on the criminal justice system — a subject you all know I’m deeply passionate about. This new chapter represents a chance to bring everything I’ve learned as an advocate, speaker, and survivor into the classroom. I also want to extend a huge thanks to Anne Herbst for covering this story with such care and compassion. Her skillful editing kept many “Kim Out of Context” moments from detracting from the story, hilarious as they may have been.
I’m still letting it all sink in, but I know this much is true: Growth is never linear, and it’s never too late to claim joy. This full-circle moment has been a long time in the making, and I’m proud to share it with all of you.
Grateful beyond words.
