8.18.26
It’s that time of year again (although I hope to be slightly better at reflecting regularly this fall throughout the job search process!) and the start of a new semester is almost upon us. While many would find it unconventional, I spent most of the summer leading a five-week backpacking trip across the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, and it seems like this was just the break I needed in order to reset my brain for a difficult semester ahead. I had a great time presenting and networking at my first American Sociological Association conference last week, and am feeling energized to tackle what lies ahead. Not only will I be teaching two classes simultaneously for the first time, but I am also deep in the weeds of job market preparation—the first applications are due September 1st!
The summer has gone by way too quickly, as it always does, and I was shocked when I found myself saying “I’m a rising 6th-year” during introductions last week at ASA. It seems like it was just yesterday that I got lost on campus on my first day of classes, walking in a circle for an hour because I forgot where I parked. My ten year high school reunion is also approaching, and I cannot believe I was starting senior year things at this time ten years ago! Growing up and getting older hasn’t been exactly what I envisioned, but then again, I’m not sure if 17-year-old me could see this far ahead nor knew what the possibilities were. I’m equally excited and nervous as I begin to navigate this newfound balance of applying to the job market, teaching, and dissertating.
*P.S.: fall brings some of the best fishing and hiking in the Northeast, and I encourage you all to take advantage of the great outdoors!
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