Sunday, October 23, 2011

Spending time helping the new univ

New office, "Faculty Room" in the startup university, where I spent many Saturday preparing and reflection how to make my lecture as engaging and effective as possible.  Of course, some time I even infuse a little bit of humor, since my class is at the end of Sat afternoon, most students are tired.

Helping the new university is exciting but can be controversial, since it is not accredited yet.  However, I remember my early days at the CSU, before it was accredited,  so many people, including other universities, were willing to help out.  I felt it is my obligation to help other young colleges and universities.

The room is bare but comfortable.  On the way to San Jose, I often treat myself a luxury item: Peet's Coffee, extra hot venti Macchiato with soy milk, the will sustain my work to the whole day, since I usually have meeting during lunch hours.


The door opens to "Monterey Classroom", which is the large classroom in the San Jose campus.  It is scheduled every weekend, so I have to close the door.  It felt good to occasionally hear students laughter from the classroom.

I stay in the faculty room, still 3:00 PM, teach my class in the Monterey Room till about 5:30 PM.  At the end of the class, I often get so excited that I can not sit down and have to walk around the block.

Overall, a bare room, simple furniture, provide me a quiet corner in the hectic Saturday at the new university.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Busy academic rhythm

During the summer, days are filled with travel, summer Programs, friends and relatives. It was hard to imagine how to get back to the 14 hours work days. Now it is in the middle of the busy semester, classes, breakfast updates, ITCD meetings, iied meetings, faculty reviews, fund raising, lectures, emails, many articles to write... It is hard to imagine how do ease into winter break. I enjoy the rhythm of academia, even often it drives me crazy.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Has been sitting next to Yuan and Fang for the last five years listening and coaching them every night.  Enjoyed the music, their talent and the precious time together. From twinkle twinkle little stars to Chopin Waltz e-minor.  From humid summer, to bitter cold winter.  No more.  So sad, so sad.
Have to give up something along the years, swimming, cello, tennis.  Each time is hard, but this one is the hardest.