These Boots Were Made for Teachin'

Shortly after I graduated from college, I was out shopping with my mother, trying to build a work wardrobe. I was working in retail, taking jobs with a temp agency when I could, and trying to get my foot in the door at a marketing, public relations or advertising agency. As a result, resources were tight but I had to get that all-important (and pricey) interview suit. It was still the 1990s and I wouldn't see business casual for a few years yet.

As we walked through the store toward the racks of business clothes, I paused by an endcap upon which a pair of chocolate brown suede ankle boots rested. I still remember the buttery feel of the suede, the richness of the saturated color, and the almost architectural detail of the sturdy, stacked heel. I picked up the shoe and thought about what it would feel like to step back on campus again while wearing these boots. Maybe as a graduate student, maybe in a job. But it would have to wait: my mother reminded me, I had a job to find and the power suit beckoned.

Those power suits of the 1990s gave way to many more fashion trends, most of which I followed. But I never forgot those suede boots and the feeling they inspired in me, so it's never a surprise to me that I gravitate toward boots every time I'm in a shoe department.

Some boots are grounding, sturdy and resilient. Some boots are creative, artistic and expressive. Some contain elements of both.

When I taught in my thirties, it was always a night class immediately after a day in the office at my very conservative professional services firm. That uniform was always the early millennium version of the power suit. It worked, but I wasn't always my most inspired while wearing it. I personally am thrilled at the post-pandemic era flexibility in work wardrobes. While there is a time and a place for the well-tailored power suit I also completely enjoy those days when I go to campus wearing a well-fitting and comfortable pair of boots. I step into class sturdy and resilient because my career has provided me decades worth of experience to ground my lectures and also creative and expressive because I am in the company of the next generation of public relations professionals who are all proving themselves to be curious, intelligent and thoughtful.

I am often asked if I love teaching so much why I didn't pursue it fulltime. The answer is simple: at the beginning of my career, I wasn't even aware it was an option. Even so, I'm glad I've walked on this career path, albeit with power suit heels and not boots. As a result of my more corporate career path, I have met dozens of amazing colleagues, worked on exciting and groundbreaking issues and traveled. I would not have half of my lecture material and anecdotes were it not for these experienced that shaped my career. I would not be the adjunct I am without the decades of experience behind me.

Each September and January I review the months ahead, eager to meet the new class, with an untouched BlackBoard shell and a new lineup of guest spears and think, "Yes, these boots were made for teaching."