Late Spring Update
A less depressing post this time!
It’s been quite a while! I didn’t realize my last update was so long ago. I got busy and preoccupied with the degradation of the world and I suppose I needed to write some short essays to vent. That said, life goes on, so here are some updates:
School Updates
I may have mentioned this earlier, but my plan to pursue a second PhD has been IXNAYED and I’m stopping with the Linguistics MA. I’ve really come to terms with my academic burnout at this point. Maybe I’ll return to taking classes in the future, but at this point I’m too tired. Additionally, as I might have hinted at in the past or in private, I don’t feel particularly supported in this program. I’m clearly out of place, which has little to do with my background or my lack of linguistics BA and much more to do with my linguistic interests. It’s very frustrating in some ways, but I don’t think I want to elaborate on that here.
I did apply to one PhD program for philosophy of language (University of Michigan), but I didn’t get in. Honestly, I think it was a blessing. As much as I think I would have thrived more in a philosophy program, I think I’ll feel MUCH better working as an instructor instead of an instructor AND student.
Speaking of, teaching has gone very well. I enjoy the class I’m teaching and the professor I work under. Upenyu has become a close colleague and I’m very proud to be working with him. He’s been writing some rec letters for me and I’m very grateful.
Career Updates
I’ve submitted about 25 applications to job postings (English, Humanities, Creative Writing, Writing Programs, Composition, etc) at this point and it’s been so depressing. I haven’t gotten a single interview yet. The competition is TOUGH. The political environment is making it harder. The market is saturated with unemployed, but highly qualified English grads like myself.
Right now, I’m hoping my upcoming book sets me apart from others. There are a couple jobs for which I’d REALLY like to be hired, but I don’t want to jinx myself ;P.
Currently, my Plan B is to move in with my mom and do substitute teaching in the Winona area. If that comes to pass, I’ll be working very hard on scholarship and writing in the down time. Send all your positive juju my way for Plan A though.
Life Updates
The last update I wrote was dated September 30, so I owe you quiteeeee the re-cap. I ended the semester just fine, went home, made TONS of food (go to the Instagram for details), met some of Mom’s other colleagues, made great food for them, hosted my best friend Sarah while she visited from Japan, and went to Chicago for NYE at Hannah K’s. I had a lot of fun this Winter break. It was a much-needed respite from the academic grind.
This semester has had its own ups and downs. I’ve gotten to explore some hobby interests which have lurked in the back of my mind for years (fountain pens; see below) and seen many MANY of my beloveds at the annual AWP conference, but I’ve also been struggling through the day-to-day without proper medication until about a week ago (shout out to Adderall XR, I love you bbygurl, never leave me again).
Speaking of AWP, I moderated/presented a panel with Michele Bombardier and Katie Hartsock (and Laura Passin in absentia), which went incredibly well. I expected about 20-ish people to come (Saturday afternoon attendance is always a tossup), but we had at least 50 in the audience. We had great audience questions and people came up to us the rest of day to compliment our panel. I was so glad that people were impacted by our presentation on disability poetics. It certainly validated how I felt about the academic work I participate in. At AWP I was able to connect with so many people whom I have desperately missed, and that made me very happy. See the list below of new books from my friends.
Right now, I think I need to pause on job applications while I set up the summer class I’m teaching (Food Writing and Food Justice). Mom graciously invited me on a little trip to London and Scotland in May while she’s at a conference, so I need to have my course prepared before leaving. I’ve only ever been to Ireland, so it’ll be interesting to see the UK. Yes, I’m aware of the food situation. Don’t fear, I think we have it handled.
NEW Books by My Beloveds
Transgenesis by Ava Nathaniel Winter
To Let the Sun by John Allen Taylor
Tumor Moon by Jennifer Saunders
Her Dark Everything by Courtney LeBlanc
Larks by Han VanderHart
An Exodus of Sparks by Allisa Cherry
What We Did To Her Made The Water Rise by Meghann Plunkett
Cartography by Cindy Huyser
There’s more to say, I’m sure, but for now this is all. Talk to you soon <3
--Teo