On small wins (or the joy of learning your friends have positive tenure votes).
I seem to often post about the stress of the tenure process.
I do not often enough post about the joy that comes with the tenure process.
I was reminded of the joy yesterday- when two friends and colleagues with whom I’ve worked shared that they had received positive tenure votes at their universities.
I could feel their exuberance and joy - their messages oozed happiness.
I felt their satisfaction in knowing they had surpassed the bar.
I shared their excitement for the future.
I always feel like an angel gets it wings, each time I learn of a positive tenure decision.
My step is a bit lighter and my day a lot happier.
Why?
Because when early career colleagues succeed, it is a win for everyone in our community.
It’s a rare positive-sum moment in life.
It’s a win for the colleague and their family who can plan their future.
It’s a win for their colleagues and uni who get to keep a talented scholar.
It’s a win for their discipline who welcomes another steward for its future.
It’s a win for all of us.
Today, I’ll walk a little easier, feel joy in knowing my friends happiness, and look forward to watching their careers unfold.
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