Happy New Year Mid Year
The turning of the calendar year always feels like a peculiar moment in academia. While much of the world celebrates endings and beginnings in December, those of us in education find ourselves firmly in the middle of our journey. January isn’t our fresh start–it’s our midpoint, a time for reflection.
My return to weekly blogging has been both challenging and rewarding, offering opportunities to experiment with some language model systems along the way.
This year, weekly Bible study discussions have been particularly enriching. Sharing scripture and reflecting on its implications for our lives has deepened both my understanding and connection.
Meanwhile, two writing projects remain in progress. The act of writing has pushed me to reconsider and refine my understanding of the subject matter, a humbling reminder that teaching and learning are inextricably linked.
Looking ahead to summer 2025, I find myself at a crossroads. The decisions I make will not only shape my professional trajectory but also influence the educational experiences of my students. The scholarly freedom of summer brings with it the weight of choosing wisely.
The academic year may not align with the calendar year, but perhaps that’s fitting. In education, every ending is also a beginning, and every milestone is merely a waypoint on a longer journey.
What matters most is not where the year begins or ends, but what we achieve in the moments between–the sparks of understanding we ignite and the curiosity we nurture.