Woof. This is feeling like the longest semester ever. It has been feeling like that for several weeks now. A few weeks ago I broke a bone in my right foot. Boot life doesn’t lend itself well to campus life, even on a relatively compact campus. This past week I have had bronchitis…still have it. I don’t feel inspirational in any sense of the word. I barely even feel articulate enough to teach.
College students are struggling nationwide. I know this, and I want to be there for my students. This also hits closer to home these days as I have a high school senior who will be leaving for college next fall. How will she do? How can I support her?
Though there isn’t as much data (that I can find) on faculty mental health compared to student mental health, this is an interesting article on fostering mental health and well-being among university faculty.
It is hard to feel like I am complaining or whining about work when truly, it is a job I love. I have really amazing and supportive coworkers. I just can’t figure out why this semester seems so long and like an uphill slog because nothing is qualitatively different than other semesters with similar challenges (except for the age of my own child).
Some semesters just be like that, I guess. I have just never felt one so profoundly hard (and for that I am grateful). If you are feeling the same way, know that you are not alone. If you are having a great semester….send encouragement!
Teaching (toward) the Beloved Community 