Deborah Whaley, a University of Iowa American studies professor, chose the song for the message of perseverance and realizing one’s dreams, an interpretation she embraces closely.

While she is originally from Colorado, Whaley has lived in the Midwest for more than half her life. She described herself as an artist, poet, writer, curator, swimmer, yogi, and UI professor.

Whaley’s work has encompassed American and cultural studies, and she has published many pieces of literature on social movements. Her recent book, Black Women in Sequence: Reinking Comics, Graphic Novels, and Anime explores book production and African Americans in media.