September Vibes

How does the onset of September really feel for a working professional + adjunct? Exciting, refreshing, invigorating, and sensory overload all at once! Or at least, that's how I feel.

Ever since I can remember I have *loved* late August/early September for the potential and promise it brings. As a kid, September always beckoned with the promise arriving at school trying on a new aspect of my emerging self: I could sign up for a new activity, invite someone else into the friend group, get new teachers and of course, organize the new school supplies. (My personal favorite!)

As an adjunct instructor teaching two sections and a fulltime working PR professional and a mom seeing a senior in high school through this last leg of her own academic journey, I am BUSY. But it's a great busy and I'll tell you why.

1. My day job benefits immeasurably from me being in the classroom. It takes discipline to hold two jobs. My preparation for the week is better, and I tend to explore more forms of media and different sources of content to prepare for class than I do my work. However, that's another opportunity to add dimension and context to my current work. I think more creatively and build cases differently.

2. I get more done. I'm one of those people who does better when busy. Yes, I do need my downtime (and enjoy it) very much. But, during my working hours I'm naturally forced to be more decisive and less perfectionistic.

3. I'm excited about the future. Yes, an empty nest is closer on the horizon than I'd like to admit. However, I'm also super excited about what new things I will explore in this next phase of my life. I credit teaching for a lot of this optimistic outlook: I get to experience the energy and all the vibes that naturally come from a college campus in September. Plus, college students are fun to be around because they are curious and expressive in ways that we always aren't in professional settings.

4. I get off screen. I have been working remotely since well before the pandemic. While I love connecting with colleagues on screen, it gets isolating. I crave in-person opportunities but I'm also at a crossroads with my own networking and professional development. Having an opportunity to go on campus 2-3 times per week keeps my energy levels up.

That is how September really feels! I always get so excited before the new semester starts. There's always the last minute adjustments to the syllabus and planning the introduction or ice breaker. But now I'm going to resist running to my nearest Staples to stock up on school supplies. Happy adjuncting!