Category Archives: academia

No typical work day

Posted on January 9, 2013 by rglw

Today was not your typical work day.  Then again, I rarely have a typical work day. 7 a.m. The usual morning lineup. Breakfast with preschooler while little munchkin slept. Note to self: must start feigning extra hour of sleep by … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, procrastinating, work, writing | 5 Comments

We were on a break!

Posted on January 7, 2013 by rglw

Academic breaks are an awkward time for us scholars. With only 15 weeks in the classroom every semester, there is little time to escape, little chance for a “vacation” day. Academic breaks are a time to recharge and to play … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, holidays, schools, work, writing | 3 Comments

You only write your dissertation once

Posted on December 12, 2012 by rglw

Thankfully, in academia, you only write your dissertation once. Thank. goodness. Most graduate training is oriented towards research and writing, but the art of research and writing is less evident in the formal curriculum.  And if your graduate training has … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, procrastinating, work, writing | 3 Comments

Faux dissertation acknowledgements….

Posted on December 7, 2012 by rglw

I am trying to lock down this final analytical chapter of my dissertation.  There is always more to write, edit and adjust with the project, but I am aiming to have a full draft together by the end of the … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, dissertation, grad school, work, writing | 4 Comments

Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me in My First Year of Graduate School

Posted on November 30, 2012 by rglw

As I get closer to the finish line, I now seem to qualify as an “advanced” graduate student.  I sat on a panel this week for the first year students in my grad program. I didn’t voice these things verbatim, … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, teaching, work, writing | 13 Comments

On the importance of original thoughts…

Posted on November 28, 2012 by rglw

I do my writing in a local coffee shop.  When I’m sitting in their uncomfortable aluminum chairs eating fluffy scones and sipping the house blend, I wrestle with my keyboard. I drudge up ideas, type some thoughts, erase them, start … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, teaching, work, writing | 2 Comments

Parenting super highs

Posted on October 15, 2012 by rglw

I am not going to pretend like I am the first person to ever have children in graduate school because I am certainly not. I am also not going to pretend like I’m the first academic working parent who chose … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, kids, motherhood, work, writing | 1 Comment

I know I’m old.

Posted on October 4, 2012 by rglw

It was confirmed to me yesterday while teaching and meeting with students.  I should not be surprised by these interactions.  I am not in the same age cohort as my students.  In fact, I could even be their parent (if … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, work | 2 Comments

A Case for Marriage

Posted on September 27, 2012 by rglw

I have been reading too many Chronicle of Higher Education pieces on the academic job market (on academia in general, really) and people’s personal lives (grad students getting married and hiring academic spouses).  These articles portray the work/life choices of … Continue reading →

Posted in academia, higher education, marriage, work | 4 Comments