One of the strange things that happens when you (a bit unexpectedly) become a Professor is that you suddenly feel a bit at sea. What difference does this shift make to daily life, to one's role in the University and beyond, to one's plans for the future? What does it really mean to be a Professor in the twenty-first century, in uncertain times, in the face of unprecedented global challenges? I have yet to answer these questions but this Spring I am committing time to at least considering them. To prepare myself for this period of reflection I have been swiftly trying to tick things off. I've then taken a proper holiday in the beautiful Derbyshire countryside with family and my sweet golden retriever puppy Jackson (who is now, unbelievably, 8 months old). And now I am back, spending time finding new inspirations, planning new collaborations, and reimagining the next steps I want to take. It is all quite exciting really.
Most recently I have been inspired by such diverse things. Our November Wrestling Resurgence show (which you can find on our YouTube channel) took our most overtly theatrical approach yet. To see the wrestlers back in the ring, working together and creating such dynamic stories was so exciting. I've been reading some wonderful books about such different topics as US politics, therapy dogs and the importance of rest. I love watching Jackson get excited about such everyday things like meeting a friend or catching a feather. So the first step is finding joy in the small things, something that should not be lost as the focus shifts to the future, to strategic vision, to plans and schedules.
So, the next few months are pretty exciting really. As the bulbs begin to emerge, the days get warmer, and Jackson finally learns not to dive on people by way of greeting (I am being a bit optimistic about this last one!) I am hoping to draft a clear plan for the Professor I am becoming.
Most recently I have been inspired by such diverse things. Our November Wrestling Resurgence show (which you can find on our YouTube channel) took our most overtly theatrical approach yet. To see the wrestlers back in the ring, working together and creating such dynamic stories was so exciting. I've been reading some wonderful books about such different topics as US politics, therapy dogs and the importance of rest. I love watching Jackson get excited about such everyday things like meeting a friend or catching a feather. So the first step is finding joy in the small things, something that should not be lost as the focus shifts to the future, to strategic vision, to plans and schedules.
So, the next few months are pretty exciting really. As the bulbs begin to emerge, the days get warmer, and Jackson finally learns not to dive on people by way of greeting (I am being a bit optimistic about this last one!) I am hoping to draft a clear plan for the Professor I am becoming.
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