Hello friends. It’s been a while since I’ve written. Maybe that’s because the stated purpose of this blog was to get through the pandemic whole, healthy, and sane as we madly raced to figure out new technologies, new methods of engagement, and new students—while maintaining our humanity. Corona is still here but the urgency hasContinue reading “Time to Re-engage with Writing”
Category Archives: blogging
June 8: Endings are Just New Beginnings
I just finished computing final grades for what is in all likelihood is the last course of my academic career. This feels big. I have been a college professor for more than 30 years. This is what I know and this is where I have succeeded. I am drawn to opportunities to build something meaningful.Continue reading “June 8: Endings are Just New Beginnings”
January 2 Day 1395: I Thought We Were Done
I haven’t been very good at posting for the last year–only 31 posts for all of 2023. I have been reflecting on why: So what drove me to write tonight? My husband tested positive for COVID this morning and it has thrown a wrench into all of our plans. He feels mostly fine (thank goodness)—just enoughContinue reading “January 2 Day 1395: I Thought We Were Done”
March 30 Day 1117: Is It Time?
I have been writing this blog for over 3 years—initially contributions were daily but now they are trickling to just a few each month. Is it time to declare Math in the Time of Corona a thing of the past? Evidence in favor of a positive response: Evidence in favor of a negative response: PerhapsContinue reading “March 30 Day 1117: Is It Time?”
March 6 Day 1093: Where Were You?
It was three years ago today that UW President Ana Mari Cauce sent this email: The Friday morning message called for emergency remote teaching by the very next workday. The speed of the transition was dizzying. I was on a writing retreat at Pack Forest with a handful of my Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences colleagues.Continue reading “March 6 Day 1093: Where Were You?”
December 31 Day 1028: Here’s to 2022
The last day of the year brings reflections on the past and hopes for the future. It was a good year with a rough start and a whirlwind finish. The delta and omicron strains of COVID required pivoting from our plans for a return to normal. But by summer, travel was back in full forceContinue reading “December 31 Day 1028: Here’s to 2022”
November 2 Day 969: How Is This Possible?
I realize I haven’t posted for almost a week. Mostly I’m still catching up on work after the ill-fated travel adventure (part 1, part 2, part 3, conclusion) and I have many important deadlines looming. But honestly, how can I get 2 likes but have no views or visitors? Just asking.
July 24 Day 868: Your Opinions May Vary
I am pleased to announce that the opinion piece I authored for the AMS Notices is now available online. I wrote it specifically for academics in mathematics, yet I believe the need to align metrics of merit with institutional mission and values applies to all disciplines (and all institutions.) I share it with you nowContinue reading “July 24 Day 868: Your Opinions May Vary”
February 5 Day 699: Catching My Breath
I pushed myself pretty hard last week—working into the wee hours of the morning, sleeping a handful of hours, and starting the cycle all over again. It definitely took a toll on my blog productivity. To the point that my friend Allison and I had this exchange: The urgent commitments have been met and IContinue reading “February 5 Day 699: Catching My Breath”
January 16 Day 679: Writers Block
One article done. One to go. Between two promised pieces and imminent deadlines, I have been writing a fair amount this week. Perhaps that is why I haven’t posted much to the blog. I spent many hours this Sunday typing gibberish– just to put something on the page. I don’t like any of it. ItContinue reading “January 16 Day 679: Writers Block”
Math Belongs to All of Us 