Choosing Your Battles
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a long, hard battle that seems insurmountable?
I have felt that way many times over the past five years, as I struggled to make ends meet and advance in a profession that is quickly moving away from hiring instructors full-time: higher education. When I reached out to my support group- friends, family, neighbors...I was surprised to discover that this is a crisis unknown to most of the general public.
A quick Google search of "adjunct crisis" will pull up many news articles from this nationwide labor exploitation that is taking place at community colleges, private colleges, and public universities alike. Because of these stories and the hard work of Faculty Forward, a labor union for professors, more people are becoming aware that over 3/4 of faculty are now making poverty level wages (according to America's standards).
I recently had to take a step back from academia after teaching ten different subjects at two state colleges and two universities did not earn me a full-time position. I had to seek medical treatment for stress-related illness, as the past three years of juggling three jobs had taken its toll on my health. I am now waiting tables with a doctoral degree and two masters degrees, just to survive. I was a teenage runaway who escaped domestic violence and, as a result, have been mostly estranged from family. Friends often don't understand why I would have financial issues because I have more formal education than many of them. Employers, however, view me as "overqualified" after jumping through the hoops it takes to be qualified to teach college.
Although I am focusing now on launching my own coaching business, promoting my recent EP of original songs, and planning the release of my first book, I worry sometimes about those I left in the fight. For all those on the frontlines, remember that you are fighting for a worthy cause. Thank you to the AFT who have stepped in to help this cause in D.C. I stand with you because I believe in the power of education. You are all preparing the next generation to become the businessmen, doctors, scientists, and engineers that will keep this country prosperous. In an increasingly global economy, you are making a difference in the world, as well. I leave you with an excerpt from a Bible verse that I meditate on when I have already done all I can do in my own strength, then pray for God's mercy and justice.
..."Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today (Exodus 14:13, NIV)."
If you feel drawn to this cause and passionate, then do what you can today, wherever you are at, with the resources available. Reach out to SEIU to find out how you can help. And remember...If God is in it, you're going to win it!