Chicago Skyline

For the past few months, I have been traveling to different locations all over the country. Not just for vacation, but also for something that feels in need of re-connection, myself. The 2016-2017 academic year was challenging personally and professionally. I could see myself falling out of love with my role. I am on a ten-month contract and started work again on August 1st. As that day drew closer I wanted to take a moment and step back to share my experiences.

One weekend in May before I had even started my summer off, I tried something small. I took a weekend to go volunteer at a camp that I had attended as a child. It was an opportunity to dip my toe into what my summer may look like. I worked hard for three long days with people I had never met before. The camp is in a dead zone and I realized that it is okay to be without my cell phone for the weekend while I am doing something important on my own time. I did not feel the need to check my phone all the time, I did not feel the need to dedicate time to this electronic that grips my life for most of the year, but I did feel the need to connect with those around me and just do the work.

That singular weekend has made me see that something as simple as powering down can make experiences with others much more meaningful. I learned so much from other by not having electrical interference.

June then rolled in and with it brought a national conference I had planned on attending for quite a while. I was excited to jump into something that would provide fresh ideas for the upcoming semester. Plus, I did not feel rushed in preparing for the conference; I had time to determine what sessions would be important for me as a growing professional, but also what would be important for my department. This was something I had not had when attending so many other conferences. I found the conference to be more enjoyable because I planned ahead. I was also able to take in more information because I wasn’t stressed about determining what I needed and wanted to learn in the middle of the conference.

Now I realize that learning without feeling rushed or unprepared is vastly more effective. And, I now wonder if this type of slow down would be beneficial to my students.

I ended my summer with a road trip. This by far has had the largest impact yet. Over the past few years I had become disconnected with family and friends. I had forgotten how wonderful the world around me can be. I started my trip with a concert with my family. Then drove from my home to see a friend in Indiana. I had not seen her in more than 5 years. My next leg brought me to north Texas to visit the friends I had made while living there. I took a long break from driving in Arizona with my best friend, who moved across the country, just as I had moved back ‘home’. Then, I headed to Colorado to meet up with members of a spoonie chat group I belong to. Last, but not least a quick stop in Chicago with a previous international travel companion.

With all the driving now completed and the year in full swing, I wanted to share a final nugget. You need to make time for what is important to you. My friends and family have helped me through tough times both personally and professionally. If I want to give of myself to my students this fall, I need to give to me first. This means spending quality time with those I love.

I will be bringing these three gems back to my office this fall. I hope they can help me better assist my students, but also my colleagues. After this trip, I can say that I feel more prepared to face the year than I ever have before. If you have found a way back to yourself this summer or would like to share experiences you have had that helped you reevaluate your perspective, find me on twitter @mlsanzo.