The paper's out. "Largest Wolf Pack in North America"—my byline, my years of tracking through Yellowstone's backcountry, my 3 AM data entry sessions. Forty-two wolves. Everyone's calling it groundbreaking. My advisor forwards the news coverage with "Congratulations!" My parents finally understand what I do. But I'm sitting in my office, staring at the acceptance email I printed and pinned up months ago. The thing I thought would fix everything. The validation I chased through two failed grants, three rejected manuscripts, countless nights wondering if I was smart enough for this. The wolves found each other. Built something unprecedented. Adapted, thrived, created this massive, complex family structure that defied everything we thought we knew. I discovered them, documented them, proved their existence to the world. So why do I still feel like I'm hunting alone? 🐺 #Science #AcademicBurnout #ImposterInTheRoom