When I think of summer progress, I first consider items marked off a to-do list and manuscripts shipped off for publication consideration. But progress is also the things we've learned along the way.
- This summer I dove into Nvivo with a friend's help. We are analyzing social media messages from a particular hashtag campaign. Being in the role of the learner is wonderful because we need reminders of what our students feel like when they start a new endeavor in our classes.
- I jumped into literature about academic mothering and life writing. We are told to find our research areas and not to stray too far, but there is something refreshing about striking out into a new area.
- I am reminded about how much I love to write and design. Writing makes me feel like myself and designing gives me a creative outlet. I tend to forget to cultivate these areas in the long semesters.
- I tried a new mantra...finish three main to-do list items. For me, it worked. I was able to disconnect at the end of my workday more easily than before.
While it's great to complete grant work and set lofty goals for the next academic year, taking a little time to reflect on what I've learned about myself is valuable as well.
With only a week left, what are you learning this summer?
