My classes at UW Tacoma begin in 43.5 hours; last night was my first anxiety dream in a long while. It felt like the eye of a hurricane. Walls of water surrounded me. Waves crashed through in slow motion and I knew there would be no escape. I had enough presence of mind to callContinue reading “September 27 Day 568: Drowning”
Author Archives: Jenny Quinn
September 23 Day 564: I Have So Many Questions
During my morning walk along the waterfront, I passed by what looked like green Cheetos dumped onto a park bench. I didn’t think much of it until I looked more closely. Not Cheetos. Definitely not Cheetos. How did I ever think they were Cheetos? I assume it’s bait. But why green? What are they baitContinue reading “September 23 Day 564: I Have So Many Questions”
September 21 Day 562: Retreating to Advance
At UW Tacoma, the week before classes start is always full of academic program retreats. Today was the School for Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences Faculty. Tomorrow is the Mathematics Faculty. Friday is the Science and Mathematics Division Faculty. The retreats are being held on Zoom. I have mixed feelings about that. We are expected toContinue reading “September 21 Day 562: Retreating to Advance”
September 18 Day 559: A Labor of Love
It has been a long time in coming, but I have a complete text for my multiyear labor of love. I have re-read for continuity and made adjustments as needed. I have inventoried the remaining tasks. There remain: 17 new essential images to draw 6 essential images to update/complete 1 important fact to check. andContinue reading “September 18 Day 559: A Labor of Love”
September 17 Day 558: To Campus
It’s a cold rainy day—a sure sign that fall quarter is fast approaching. I was having a hard time being productive at home, so I decided to put that new parking permit to use and head to campus. The first question to resolve—which parking lot am supposed to park use? There are lots on eitherContinue reading “September 17 Day 558: To Campus”
September 16 Day 557: On Contract
Welcome to the first day of the new academic year—at least for those of in the University of Washington system. Time to get serious about preparing for new students in new situations with new university guidelines. I am teaching in person (at least that is the intention at this moment in time. One can neverContinue reading “September 16 Day 557: On Contract”
September 13 Day 554: Parking for the Return
This morning at 9 am, parking permits for permanent employees of the University of Washington Tacoma went on sale. The flight returning from my nephew’s twice-covid-delayed wedding was scheduled to land at 9:15 am but miraculously, we landed 30 minutes early. At 9 am, standing at baggage carousel 14, I begin my attempt to secureContinue reading “September 13 Day 554: Parking for the Return”
August 24 Day 534: Letting Go
Zachary, my youngest son, is off at Opening Days for his first-year college experience. When his brother Anson leaves for his senior year at college in two weeks, Mark and I will officially be empty nesters. I have conflicting feelings about all of it. For my children, I am so excited for their adventures toContinue reading “August 24 Day 534: Letting Go”
August 20 Day 530: Affirmations in Focus
I admit, I was grumpy and feeling down yesterday. But I bounced back after seeing the newest issue of MAA Focus released online. The President’s message that I wrote was about using affirmations to help students address mathematical anxiety, especially associated with assessments. Reading it again, helped relieve my own anxiety of the moment. EvenContinue reading “August 20 Day 530: Affirmations in Focus”
August 19 Day 529: It’s the Uncertainty
Tis the season of ‘Back-to-School’ and in many ways this year feels WORSE than last. Back then, there was hope. People were planning in advance for their teaching and professional events. There was a shared sense of resilience, growth, and service in continued isolation. And vaccine trials were entering Phase III with a short horizonContinue reading “August 19 Day 529: It’s the Uncertainty”
Math Belongs to All of Us 