The Adventure Continued

I arrived at the Westin San Francisco Airport on Thursday, January 22nd, with anxiety and nervous energy. I was late for the opening meeting of the Residential Orientation for new students at Saybrook. Rather than being able to skulk around the circle of incoming students to find a place to sit, a woman motioned me through the middle of the circle to a seat next to her. Turns out, she’s the school’s Provost. Good start?

So, after faculty introductions, the students are asked to introduce themselves. A very eager young woman went first and said something like, “Go Hawks” because she lives near where they train. I assume that is a reference to a sports team in a league I don’t follow. So, the next person, a woman I came to know and love named Theresa, said, “Go Patriots” during her introduction. This continued around the circle with people stating their allegiance to one NFL team or another. When the introductions got to me, I said, “I’m here representing the heathen contingent, as I’m from Las Vegas, Nevada. Go gambling!” I have never seen a room bust up in laughter like that before.

Isn’t it “Singin’ in the Rain” that says that you should “make ‘em laugh”? Mission complete.

A New Adventure

On Thursday, January 22nd, I will beginning a new, difficult, and likely amazing adventure. Thursday, January 22nd, is the day I begin my doctoral work in Human Sciences at Saybrook University in San Francisco, California. 

The program consists of a residential component and my adventure begins with a two-day Residential Orientation wherein I will meet my professors, academic advisors, and other newly admitted Saybrook students. This orientation will be followed by a five-day Residential Conference. During the conference, I will participate in classes and workshops discussing topics from feminism to transdisciplinarity to the teaching of the American civil rights movements in Turkey. I don’t know what transdisciplinarity means either, but I’ve got two required texts to read on the subject before the conference begins. 

This adventure has been made possible by the love, support, and ceaseless cheerleading of my Mother, and my wizard, Judy. Thank you both.