Professor Sharon

I am working what’s called 3/5ths time this semester.  I take the equivalent 3/5ths pay cut, of course.  But, it does give me some breathing room.  If I were not retiring, next year or so would be time to apply for and take a sabbatical.  Unless you work an academic life, you have a hard time understanding – even if you try – how exhausting brain work can be to the whole body!

So today, was about a 3/5ths kind of day.  A few hours prepping for class for the week – although even when I do it ahead, I’m never quite ready.  I always have seemed to need at least half an hour before class to finish up.  My style is to individualize so strongly, that unlike other faculty I know, I can’t just pull a folder out of my file drawer and do whatever is in it.  And, actually, I’ve never wanted to accomplish that type of teaching.  A meeting with another staff and the librarians to set up an exhibit about children’s books in the college library; and then on the way home, some personal errands.

There are days when I do wonder what will I do with 3/5ths or even 5/5ths of my time?  I do have one answer so far.  My first meeting of the day was with the principal of the local pre-school public school where I plan to volunteer a couple of hours a week.  I had thought I might just help in the library; but, no surprise really, she wants to put me in a classroom, and asked if I would bring my story telling and puppet expertise.  Guess I will!  Although, honestly, I’m nervous about that.  I’ve worked with adults for so long; will I still have the skills to work with groups of young children?  I do hope it’s a case of bike riding!

Today I am looking forward to being more the mistress of my days.