I have learned so much in this job. I know how to chair a search committee, how to cry gracefully (and not so gracefully) in a meeting. I know that librarianship is a career that allows one to eat too much candy. I've learned that if you ask for what you want enough times, you might just get it. I learned that I enjoy teaching, even if it does make me nervous.
There are different kinds of lessons, too. I can be both professional and personal at the same time. It's a hard balance to maintain, but it's something I'm good at. It's okay to have a heart, to show some emotion, to say what you think, and to wear a skirt that buttons up the side. I've learned that I am provocative, smart, funny, and quite sassy. I am a valuable part of this profession and a day in my life is something I would never want to miss.
(For the record, I've been to a lot of library meetings and though they've been stimulating, frustrating, sometimes dull, sometimes contentious, I have never been brought to tears. That's not to say we always agree, but those disagreements are usually the most interesting part.)
4 comments:
How does one "cry gracefully (and not so gracefully) in a meeting"? I don't think I've ever been in a professional context where tears are called for or even welcome (other than perhaps after an especially good joke).
Good point, Charlotte - I guess I was focused on the idea of an item on a meeting agenda leading to tears. Which it could, at times (budgets, anyone?) but usually it's just business as usual, to be taken with a wry smile.
But you bring up a good point - there's a lot to the job that's purely human. Thank goodness!
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