Jenny Quinn

May 29 Day 82: Strange and Beautiful

I’ll try and be less frivolous tomorrow. For now, I choose to post pictures both strange and beautiful.

May 28 Day 81: Celebrations Both Belated and Virtual

Tonight we celebrated the achievements of the University of Washington Tacoma mathematics majors. It was a multimedia zoom extravaganza with the faculty leaning in to make it extra special. Just look at the program: There was something for everyone—special videos, Pi Mu Epsilon honor society induction, singing (!?!) , awards, and math(ish) trivia. My favoriteContinue reading “May 28 Day 81: Celebrations Both Belated and Virtual”

May 27 Day 80: It’s Official

Hello. My name is Jenny and I have an over-reliance on technology. It has been more than eighty days since I taught a class in the same room as my students. Eighty days since I collected an exam or homework assignment on paper. Eighty days since I enjoyed drop-in hours in the library, helping studentsContinue reading “May 27 Day 80: It’s Official”

May 26 Day 79: Staying Positive

I thought the first day back after a three day weekend might be challenging for me and my students. As predicted, energy and attendance was low. To inject positivity, I asked for help with the following Google slide: Students were asked to share motivational thoughts, quotes, or memes. Not everyone participated but it brightened myContinue reading “May 26 Day 79: Staying Positive”

May 25 Day 78: Women in Mathematics

There are surprising parallels between mathematics, LuxArt, and remote emergency teaching. In each case, I know what I hope to achieve and have many tools to help me succeed. Once started on a journey, I make my best guesses and hope that time will prove my actions worthwhile.

May 24 Day 77: Shine Your Light

Finding balance in isolation has been a challenge. My foci have been: creating community within my classroom and my professional association, sharing space and supporting priorities of family members, and meeting my commitments. Since March 9, my number one priority has been to survive the jarring upheaval that was this academic year in the timeContinue reading “May 24 Day 77: Shine Your Light”

May 23 Day 76: A Brief Respite

I’ve been pushing pretty hard lately and I admit to being a little resentful of the grading, lack of student interaction, and extra work to prepare for a board meeting. If this were in “the before,” I would be flying home from DC after two days of important work with amazing people—energized and ready toContinue reading “May 23 Day 76: A Brief Respite”

May 22 Day 75: Inquiring Minds

Here are those big, beautiful smiles that I promised. The order and some backgrounds have changed. But quarantine hair remains the same. For comparison: This is a wonderfully dedicated group of professionals. It is a pleasure to work with them to support and promote an organization that I love, the Mathematical Association of America. IContinue reading “May 22 Day 75: Inquiring Minds”

May 21 Day 74: Resting Zoom Face

Today was the first day of an MAA Board of Directors quarterly meeting. I tried to get a screenshot to share but honestly, our resting zoom faces didn’t show us in the best light. I fixed it! Now everyone has a smile. What do you think? For MAA friends, can you match the pictures toContinue reading “May 21 Day 74: Resting Zoom Face”

May 20 Day 73: Time Expansion

Have you ever noticed that projects expand to fill the time available? Today I only had one hard deadline and several soft ones. The hard deadline? Teaching from 3:40-5:40 pm. I thought I was ready to go this morning—just a few minor adjustments to the learning management system and it would be on to biggerContinue reading “May 20 Day 73: Time Expansion”