Academic Year Round-up

I'm on vacation. I have been for the last week. And I've gotten to the point of vacation where I have no clue what day it is. So far may days have been a combination of napping, reading, and knitting. And you know what? It's been fucking awesome. I was sick (natch) the first couple of days. Some say this happens when your body realizes you're relaxed and you can afford to be sick. Could be. But considering that two other people I hang out with semi-regularly came down with something similar at the same time, I suspect we just passed around some random grossness.

I haven't been blogging regularly, obviously. It was an intense and busy academic year and by the time I got home the last thing I wanted to do was turn on my computer, so blogging fell by the wayside. Thing is, it's been an eventful academic year for me (and others). I had planned on doing a wrap up, but by the time I sat down to write it (like, right now), I couldn't remember everything I was going to cover. So I thought I would start with the big one: Tenure.

I got tenure. Finally.

I left my previous job 4.5 years into the tenure process. I knew what I was giving up when I left (almost certain awarding of tenure) and I left because I knew it wasn't the place for me. My move was for personal reasons more than professional. When I arrived at my current location I wasn't able to get time towards tenure but I knew I had the option to go up early. I didn't for lots of reasons, but mostly I didn't because I wanted the full length of time to do what I wanted to get done.

So after spending multiple Fridays last summer building my tenure file, I submitted it last fall. What I didn't expect after I submitted it was the relief I felt. Simply put: It was out of my hands. Now, I had never had a bad review. I did everything I was supposed to. I had no reason to think I wouldn't get tenure.... but you still never know. Then I got the letter from my dean and the tenure committee: All signs pointed towards yes. Then it went to the provost. And I waited. And then one day in February I got a letter in my campus mailbox: Tenured.

As I read the letter, I started shaking. I had done it. I pretty much hugged anyone and everyone. I emailed/texted everyone who might care. I posted it on Facebook. I had done it. And then friends and I went out that night (it was a Friday) and drank lots and lots. And the next day felt a little like the day after Christmas. The excitement was over.... now what?

But, you know what? I was tenured. I was an associate professor. And I could breathe.

Do I feel any different? Yes and no. Tenure is about your colleagues reviewing your work, so I feel different in that I have their approval. There is a certain amount of stability that comes with tenure and it does feel a little different. But for the most part, I have a big, huge sense of accomplishment... and relief.