Author Archives: rglw

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About rglw

Sociologist mom writes for work and for pleasure.

The importance of making headspace.

Posted on May 6, 2014 by rglw

My mother always said that I was terrible at doing nothing. I am fine with being terrible at doing nothing because I am so rarely without something to do. Lately, though, I have found in my quiet moments, those spaces in between … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, everyday life, lessons learned, procrastinating, productivity, thinking, what professors do, writing | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

being 36

Posted on May 5, 2014 by rglw

Spring birthdays in New England can be unpredictable. Some years, it’s turtleneck weather, and other years, it’s sandals season. The night before my birthday, I slept well. I woke up to a sunny morning. Sandals it is. I treasure my birthday. I know that … Continue reading →

Posted in blogging, coffee, everyday life, family, kids, marriage, personal, yoga | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Grading vortex

Posted on April 19, 2014 by rglw

No matter how well I plan and no matter how hard I work, there comes a point in every semester when I am overwhelmed with grading. All teachers experience that moment when they stare at The Pile of papers in front … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, procrastinating, productivity, students, teaching, Uncategorized, what professors do, work, writing | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Living with children….

Posted on March 29, 2014 by rglw

March is a strange time-space continuum in my world. In March, I celebrate my daughter’s birthday. I also celebrate my mother’s birthday, even though my mother has been gone for seven years. I spend much of the month gearing up and then … Continue reading →

Posted in everyday life, family, kids, lessons learned, motherhood, parenthood, personal, real talk | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Professor goes to Washington

Posted on March 18, 2014 by rglw

Okay, so I did not exactly go to Washington. I did take some students to the capital building to watch a public hearing last week and returned yesterday to listen to testimony on other education committee bills. Before last week, … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, ed policy, everyday life, higher education, lessons learned, media, personal, politics, sociology, work | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Tackling “Should I Go to Graduate School?” (Part deux)

Posted on March 12, 2014 by rglw

Last week I drafted a conversation between you and me if you asked me “Should I go to graduate school?” Thanks for reading (or for finding this post). I have to assume that I piqued your interest in graduate school … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, higher education, lessons learned, research, sociology, teaching, tenure, writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The one where I tackle: “Should I Go to Graduate School?” (Part one)

Posted on March 4, 2014 by rglw

Several former students have contacted me seeking letters of recommendation as they consider applying to graduate school, so I have been thinking about what I would say to them when we discuss their future plans. If you ask most grad students … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, grad school, higher education, lessons learned, personal, real talk, teaching, work | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Why being a modern American Jew is so hard

Posted on February 25, 2014 by rglw

Our local, family-owned Kosher supermarket was on the verge of closing this week when some angel investors rescued the business. Our Jewish community was temporarily devastated at the prospect of losing this local institution. For many, the Crown is more … Continue reading →

Posted in being jewish, blogging, community, culture, everyday life, food, holidays, religion | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Students are people, too: When you’re the professor and the therapist and the career counselor…

Posted on February 12, 2014 by rglw

Towards the end of last semester, a blog that I follow featured an essay entitled “I’m Your Professor Not Your Therapist.” In it, the author described feeling helpless and unprepared for dealing with students in crisis. The only advice offered … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, grad school, higher education, schools, students, teaching, work | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Yoga Shabbat, able bodies and back spasms

Posted on February 11, 2014 by rglw

This past Saturday, I went to yoga at my temple. It was an unconventional way to spend Shabbat morning. Growing up in a conservative congregation, my parents and I were not habitual Saturday morning service-goers. And though my parents were … Continue reading →

Posted in being jewish, community, everyday life, health, lessons learned, personal, yoga | Tagged , , | 2 Comments