Wow, I don’t know about you guys but my July and August went by in a blink. I spent a few days in London, two weeks in the north Georgia mountains, a few days on Long Island, and a week in New York City.
I had lots of QT with friends and family; hiked, played bocce and swam in the lake; shared new research (including this article); received a book award for My Tax Dollars (🥹); tended to my herb and tomato garden (which is thriving against all odds!); learned to make pesto (which my family eats by the spoonful); and moved into a new office!
August 1 also marked the beginning of a new professional chapter for me.
I will still be teaching and doing research and writing, but in addition I am also now directing the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins. More about us here:
We are an academic and public forum. Our work combines research, teaching, and applied projects, studying democracy, promoting civic learning, and encouraging broad participation in political life. We translate academic insights into practical knowledge for individuals who support democratic institutions and foster a more pluralistic society.
It’s been a busy few weeks getting settled into the new role. The words “drinking from a firehose” have been uttered (by others and by me) to describe the process more than a few times. But its been exciting to just jump in.
Meanwhile, for those of us who measure time in semesters, a very special moment is on the horizon. Some people like to say that Christmas is the “most wonderful time of the year,” and if that’s your thing, I get it. I do.
But…. for me, nothing beats Back-to-School season!
“Don’t you love New York in the fall? Makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.” ~ You’ve Got Mail
As I admitted to my kids this week, one of the very genuine reasons I organized my entire professional life around school is that I just love gathering a fresh set of pens and notebooks this time of year.
I love creating a new schedule and a slightly new version of myself every semester. I love the energy of the first day of school. And at least where I live, I love the dipping temperatures and the countdown to the arrival of “sweata weatha.”
As much as I am looking forward to the new school year, it has also forced a bit of a reckoning. As I began blocking out my schedule, I came to the realization that I did not have quite enough hours in my day.
I am still planning to post occasionally as inspiration strikes, likely in Substack Notes, or over on LinkedIn or Instagram.
And I am planning to reevaluate things this winter and figure out how to (hopefully!) get back to regular writing.
But in the meantime, I wanted to let you know of my plans, and confirm that I have paused all paid subscriptions so you will not be billed while I am on hiatus.
Thanks for all of your support! In the comments, I’d love to hear your fondest memories of back-to-school season! 🤓📚✏️
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