Professional development, personal growth

I’ve had a few major accomplishments in the last month. First, my exam lists and proposals were officially approved, which means I am making progress! I believe this was primarily possible because my parents were here and helped me with all things related to house and baby. I also left my son for the first time and went to the biennial Feminisms and Rhetorics Conference in Mankato, MN. I cried as I left and doubted whether or not I should even be going while we were driving to the airport. However, with the support of my husband and colleagues I was reminded that going to the conference was going to be invaluable. Indeed it was!

Upon boarding the shuttle that was taking us from Minneapolis to Mankato, my colleague and I met feminist rhetoric scholar, Jessica Enoch. We had read Enoch’s work in several of our courses and she has been a kind of inspiration for my own work for quite awhile. It may seem silly but I was a bit star struck! Although it was late and travelling had taken it’s toll, I was immediately energized and the last hour and 45 minutes of our trek to Mankato seemed to fly by. We heard about her new research and faculty position, and she asked about our work and seemed genuinely interested in the conversation. I missed my son, but after that shuttle ride I knew I had made the right decision in going to the conference.

The next four days were jam packed with amazing panels, keynotes, and even some pretty fun karaoke! I called home everyday and requested pictures and videos to be sent to me, so that I could feel closer. It helped to hear him and see him. Before I knew it, it was time to make my way back home.

I was only home for 3 days before I had to take my parents to the airport so they could get back to California. They’ve been gone less than a week and I miss them already. Nonetheless, I will be forever grateful to them for coming out and easing the anxiety of leaving my son for the first time.