I hope that all of our readers had blessed holidays! Some of you were snowed in; some of you were basking in the sun. Wherever you spent your time off, I know you enjoyed the break from your busy academic schedules.
AALS is this week in San Francisco. There is a plethora of sessions to attend including our Section on Academic Support business meeting and program. Other interesting programs are being offered by the Sections for Legal Research and Writing, Teaching Methods, Balance in Legal Education, and Student Services. Although I will be unable to attend this year, I will look forward to hearing about the programs from colleagues who do attend.
As you dive into the new semester and think about New Year's resolutions, I would suggest the following:
- Pick one professional development goal for the semester: attending a regional workshop, signing up for AALS or AASE committees, writing an article for publication, finding a mentor to encourage you in your work, being a mentor for a new ASP'er, etc.
- Pick one innovation goal for the semester: redesigning a series of workshops for your students, working more closely with student organizations, working cooperatively with career services or student services colleagues on programs that overlap your areas, etc.
- Pick one community service goal for the semester: helping with a pro bono clinic, working at the local food bank, serving meals at a homeless shelter, socializing the animals at the local shelter, teaching Sunday School at your church, etc.
- Pick one personal goal for the semester: reading a non-law book each month, spending more time with family, taking time for yourself each evening/weekend to rest and reflect, learning a new hobby, getting in touch with your spiritual side, etc.
We tend to make long lists of resolutions. So many, in fact, we can never meet them all! So focus on these four areas of your personal life and work and choose just one goal. Then work on sustaining that effort throughout the semester.
If you are a go-getter and complete and sustain goals easily and quickly, then set a new goal to add in each area that you have completed and sustained. But don't be an over-achiever burning the candle at both ends. Savor your goals and the processes that accompany them.
May you all have blessed semesters and success in all you resolve to do. (Amy Jarmon)
