Merriam-Webster.com word of the day for March 3, 2023: Accentuate “You got to ac-cent-tchu-ate the positiveE-lim-i-nate the negativeAnd latch on to the affirmativeDon't mess with Mr. In-between AC-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC Growing up, I remember hearing this song. It was a bit of a catchy tune. … Continue reading Accentuate
I’ve been away at a professional conference for the last few days. In the week prior, I was preparing for a presentation at the conference, so I haven’t been able to get back to the Merriam-Webster word of the day. Sorry This afternoon, while prepping with my co-presenters, the topic of competition came up. I … Continue reading Competitive by Nature
Merriam-Webster.com word of the day for Feb 18, 2023: impromptu After just three days, I’ve had to really think about this series. How much effort am I going to make to share what connections come to jobs for the word? What if nothing comes? Do I read the entomology? Do I read how it is … Continue reading Impromptu
This word makes me think of my upbringing. I was mostly raised by my grandparents, who were of the silent generation. Many of my habits and values are more reflective of a Baby Boomer than my actual Gen X status. But, as I consider myself to be relatively progressive, I also think my upbringing is … Continue reading Anachronism
Merriam-Webster.com Word of the Day for February 16, 2023: Lyrical One More Chance by the Notorious B.I.G. “… Isn't this great? Your flight leaves at eight Her flight lands at nine, my game just rewinds (don't go, don't go, don't go) Lyrically, I'm supposed to represent I'm not only the client, I'm the player president… … Continue reading Lyrical
If there was a biography about you, what would the title be? I Just Said What You Were Thinking: Because my Neurodivergent Brain didn’t tell me that I shouldn’t
This is just a short epiphany but… Now that we’re moving back toward social events, in an odd twist of fate, I am actually get excited about going to events. Now, on one hand, it could be a rebound reaction from our 2 years in the house during the pandemic, but I don’t think that’s … Continue reading Authenticity
Large portions of this entry were originally posted to the UMBC First Generation Student Network in February 2021 As to not assume that you are familiar with me, it is likely a good idea that I take a moment to introduce myself. I am the Director of UMBC’s Office of Academic Opportunity Programs (AOP). AOP … Continue reading From Pain to Passion to Purpose in 2022
Y’all are just going to have to follow me on this one. Saturday Night Live used to have a series of sketches entitled “Deep Thought by Jack Handey”. It was purely satire. While this blog isn’t satire, and my mother’s maiden name was Handy (no E), I still felt the title of it. Let’s jump … Continue reading Deep Thoughts with a Handy: Politeness and Gender Identity
Photo by Vladislav Vasnetsov on Pexels.com First Hurdle: Limited Academic Recommendations My present academic journey began in Fall 2009 (yes, 12 years ago), when I enrolled as a non-degree seeking student in my department. My previous graduate school route had been rather non-traditional. It makes me feel better to remember that I didn’t get admitted … Continue reading Hurdles
Lifting as I Climb 