Category: Writing
-
Why we write.
I re-read a quote in my journal this morning that inspired me. We write to experience life twice. Once in the moment, and once retrospectively. I remind myself that it is more important to engage in the process of writing, without worrying about the products of that writing, than not to write at all. I…
-
Setting realistic “process” goals.
My realistic goals for the next several weeks will be based on advice to set process goals, as opposed to product goals. My process goals will be about writing. Writing every day is a reasonable process goal for me. There is something about writing every day that helps me to feel more fulfilled and accomplished.…
-
What might you learn with an open mind?
Believe. “I can make a difference with my ideas.” At a Research I institution they are training you to become a leader in your field. The goal is to make advances in theory, practice, policy, and otherwise through original academic research and collaborations. 99% of academic debate is chasing the idea (with only 1% being personal…). This…
-
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
I’ve never trained for a marathon that I’ve ran in as a race, per se, but I’ve been advised to adopt this metaphor as a means to characterize the experience of a successful scholar in mathematics education. I am engaged in a myriad of research, professional development, writing, and networking activities, all of which have…
-
Telling stories.
I was recently inspired to tell stories. In a talk by Dr. Susan May Basalla, she told of the stories she has learned from others seeking positions outside of academia. In her talk she spoke of being inspired by things that motivate us, that we are passionate about, taking our own paths that are certainly…
-
Believe in your own work.
One lesson that I’ve learned in my post as a postdoctoral fellow is to Believe In Your Own Work. A mentor of mine told me a story about how a senior scholar had submitted his master’s thesis to JRME. His submission was originally rejected. Upon receiving the reviews, he responded to the editor in disagreement with the reviewers,…
-
Encouraging words.
I am always learning. Today I have learned the power of encouraging words. Words the seek to inspire, to motivate, to push ahead, to make progress when faced with adversity and challenges. This also reminds me of a few quote from movies I’ve enjoyed with my family recently. “A true warrior never quits” (Kung Fu…
Nicole L. Fonger 