Hope

This week, I was reading a few twitter posts (again) on the bleakness of higher education. Students are more difficulty. Tenure track positions are few and far between. Universities privilege profits over learning, and administrators over faculty. And on and on.

Some of this advice comes from those who are trying to help doctoral students prepare for the future by helping them truly understand the landscape. And some of it is true. Yet, in spite of these realities, many are attempting to carve out lives for themselves as scholars. And you know what? Its going to take a lot of work, a lot of butt kicking, nose to the grindstone work, and of course, a wee bit of luck.

What do we need to engage in this kind of work, day after day, year after year?

Well, one thing is hope. 

Hope.

Hope is one of the most healing, curative, essential ingredients of human well being.

Consider what you surround yourself with if you are trying to push forward.