Ready for the new academic year?

Starting a new academic year is a thrill in itself. The anticipation of reconnecting with students, exploring the new nooks and crannies of our schools’ facilities, and reigniting bonds with colleagues all evoke a sensation of renewal. But for those with a scholarly spark inside, these social exchanges, though cherished, don’t fully quench our thirst for a new start. True beginnings demand more than pleasantries; they crave purposeful planning.

Let's take a pause, though, before we dive deep into preparations for the upcoming semester. Cast your thoughts back to summer's embrace. If the last academic year weighed heavily on you (much like mine did), channel your energy to reminisce about joyful family gatherings, those tranquil sunset walks, or the invigorating feel of the beach’s breeze. If your memory needs a nudge, let the pictures on your phone transport you back to those sun-soaked moments. Trust me, those warm memories will be your solace in the semester's more demanding times.

It’s undeniable that for many, a new semester spells out teaching duties. And that’s wonderful! But before we devote ourselves to our students, it’s vital to fill our own cups. That means setting clear academic priorities for ourselves. What do you envision for this academic year? Which research projects are beckoning you? Are you gearing up for grant applications, or perhaps navigating the job market? How will you juggle your research and teaching commitments? And, might you be considering any extra help for complex writing tasks?

To offer a glimpse into my world, post-manuscript completion and with a year left for my tenure submission, I've resolved to throttle down my research this year. I’ve got a panel presentation lined up at a major history conference in January, with the paper for it slated for drafting this fall. Another conference awaits in March, but I'm deferring that writing task until winter break. My second book, meanwhile, will be nurtured by the archival treasures I unearthed during last spring’s research leave. I’m determined to sculpt these findings into a captivating article, with a particular journal in sight. To achieve these writing tasks, I’ve dedicated three daily hours: an early morning session, followed by a two-hour afternoon deep dive. The remaining hours will be channeled into course preparations, student advising, committee obligations, and various campus engagements.

Now, for the delightful tidbits! My 2023-2024 planner is already brimming with plans. My kitchen shelves are adorned with jars of home-preserved tomatoes, pickles, and jellies, awaiting the colder months. Pre-semester days found me decluttering my office space and digital inboxes. Books, both academic and those purely for enjoyment, are within arm’s reach. I’m capitalizing on end-of-summer book sales while also embracing coffee shop jaunts, engaging in light-hearted magazine reads, and rekindling my exercise rhythm. Virginia’s fall promises to be enchantingly mild, and I am eagerly anticipating neighborhood gatherings, student interactions, fitness sessions, and yes, the exhilarating world of writing. Countless first drafts beckon my touch, awaiting improvement.

Why reserve fresh starts for January alone? Fall, with its amber hues and crisp air, is equally invigorating for new beginnings.