Last week I got an e-mail from a young sister who is in her first
year of university teaching. Curiously, the e-mail was time-stamped 2
a.m. Poignantly, it was a shout for help and advice.
“How do I handle all of the demands on my time?” sister asked.
Her note described a schedule that brimmed over with
responsibilities — three classes a semester, preparation and research,
faculty advising, community service. Active in her church and in civic
organizations, and one of only three Black faculty females on her
campus, she says she finds herself stretched in too many directions.
“Black students from all disciplines come to see me with issues,
problems, and concerns. My department wants me to serve on campus
committees. I’m from this community, so I get lots of requests to speak
at events and meetings. And I am determined to publish, determined to
get tenure. Where do I find the time?”
I’m not noted for having an abundance of balance in my own space.
I’ve spent much of my time burning the candle at both ends, and being
stretched between deadlines. So I’m hardly qualified to offer advice
about balance — except to say, read Iyanla Vanzant, take a deep
breath, prioritize.
Still, the e-mail reminded me of a conversation I had with a
student who was bitterly critical of an African American faculty member
who had not taken the time to meet with her.
“I can’t meet during his office hours, and you would think he would make another time,” the testy student told me.
