Conferences & the Transition to Writing

This week is a regional meeting for sociology. The North Central Sociological Association and the Midwest Sociological Association team up every couple of years in Chicago and have a larger than usual conference. I'm presenting two papers this year, one on teaching & the other on my dissertation research. I'm trying to find balance in teaching and research -- something that I'm likely to be searching for my entire career (if I'm lucky and score the type of job I'm hopeful for). While balance is difficult, navigating the transition from student to professional while juggling parenthood and all the excitement that brings has been a challenge. I look forward to and welcome that challenge.

 I present on Wednesday "Using Video Montage in Introductory Sociology Classes" I have compiled a 'montage of the montages' to demonstrate the assignment.




I am hopeful that it will go over well. I plan on finishing the paper to submit later this summer for publication (if not later this summer I may try to 'stock pile' it for when I get on the tenure track). At any rate, I need to get something together and out.

The presentation on Thursday is "Integrating Affect into Structural Identity Theory: Shared Meaning & Commitment" -- it is less exciting but finding support for the theory and the propositions set forth by the originator of the theory is pretty cool -- least for me. I have compiled a hand out and script to go along with the presentation and need to work hard to transition into writing mode.

This conference offer a unique opportunity for me - to visit with my peers & professors that I've been disconnected with since the move and to explore the city in which I now live and often forget is right down the highway. I look forward to the upcoming weeks to get my head back into the game -- to explore the dissertation and really start writing.

I'm ready. I don't think I was last year. I was scared, uncertain of the opportunity in this job market and where I was with my relationship with Nick. Now, all those things seem trivial -- it's time. Nick will either be with me or not. Liam will make it no matter where we are -- I'll make sure of that. And... I know now... no matter where we end up -- I'll make it home.