Honest mistakes happen. I get that. We are all busy people and sometimes we forget to include everyone who should be included–whether its an invitation to the table or recognition for fine work. I keep telling my brain not to read too much into any one oversight. It happens to everyone, right?
Yet the more it happens to me, the harder it is to deny a pattern.
So I ask myself, am I doing something to facilitate the oversights?
I know my husband would say that I am too easy-going…too unassuming…too nice. I try to credit others for their work, perhaps downplaying my own role. What matters most is that things get accomplished. Although it would be nice to be recognized…just a little.
As I was feeling sorry for myself, a ray of sunshine arrived. A grateful student thanked me for his good fortune–giving me far more credit than I deserved. Yes, I brought people together but he took the initiative and made things happen. Maybe it all balances out in the end?
Cover Photo by Kalpit Khatri.
Math in the Time of Corona 