Dear Students,
It’s been a minute. I hope this finds you well.
The start of the fall semester seems like light years ago and I am aware I am just squeaking out this October newsletter moments before it is no longer October. The days feel long and busy, but the weeks seem to pass in a blur. The abundant NYC sunshine and frequent balmy days only add to my confusion about time passing. Are we really starting to think about the holidays?
In talking with many of you and with my colleagues, I sense a collective feeling of vague disorientation, reduced stamina and tempered enthusiasm. Not long before the pandemic I was asked for one word to describe myself and I said, “quick,” because I’m a quick thinker, talker, and decision-maker. Or, I was. In a conversation with a student last week, I struggled mightily to come up with the word, “option.” Sometimes my brain feels so completely overloaded it’s like it is actually thinking slowly. One of my favorite emojis is the one with the face where the top of the head is exploding. I think it’s supposed to mean mind blown, but to me, it means my brain is so full I’ve broken it. I use that emoji a lot.
I’m also aware of losing steam faster than I ever have in the past. I am enjoying meeting people in person again, socializing and being around students and colleagues in 3D. Yet, I am always surprised when I find myself longing to be home on my couch, wearing my pandemic loungewear, and interacting only with my family pod. Weren’t we completely sick of each other not so long ago?
Finally, I find myself modulating my enthusiasm. I love seeing students and colleagues on campus, but I wonder if I will have to teach in a mask forever. I feel thrilled that my oldest is thrilled to be a freshman in college (in-person!), but when he texted me yesterday, “I have a fever,” I felt waves of panic. (He’s fine.) I get excited thinking about traveling somewhere far away on a vacation and then think, “Is that safe? Is it responsible? Is it even possible?”
We are in a much better place than we were in 2020, that is for certain. But, things don’t really feel “normal.” So, I think we have to acknowledge that with each other, continuously, and repeatedly and to continue to be gracious and compassionate with one another and with ourselves. None of us has extra fuel in the tank right now which means we can more quickly be frustrated, tired, irritated, disoriented, worried, and just overall out of sorts.
Yet, even with all that, when anyone asks how my semester is going, the first thing I say is, “I LOVE being in person again.” And, I do. Seeing you all walking around campus, meeting with you in Russell Courtyard (no masks-yay), seeing how tall or short you are, standing in a TC classroom with markers, dry erase boards and handouts, listening to you chatter with each other in break-out groups, and hearing you laugh together – that has been absolutely 100% wonderful.
This is such an exciting time to be immersed in the study and practice of organizational psychology. The world of work is transforming all around us and we can be a part of shaping the future of work in ways that are energizing, innovative, compassionate and just. I know everyone has a lot going on and has a lot to manage. I know we are all trying to be in our new normal in ways that are productive, safe, and joyful. Please know that we are here for you, we appreciate you, and we are grateful to be figuring out this path forward in our learning community together. Onward!
