Continuing the Conversation: My DEIJ Journey and Hope for the Future

I recently rewrote all the information on my LinkedIn profile, which I think now better tells my journey. It was a good experience, it is more concise and the work helped me further understand how I feel about my career. I remembered that I loved my years in higher education, engaging in meaningful work that fed my soul. I always thought of DEIJ work as that effort that allowed me to give back to my community and was my way of remaining an activist. Along the way, I had experiences that were extraordinary and heartbreaking, but it was a good journey.

Reflections on DEIJ Work I teach now, which allows me some connection to my career, but I am so enjoying retirement. I don't envy those of you still in the struggle. DEIJ is under assault, and though I hate to admit it, I knew it would be. As much as I know, as we all do, that it is important and integral to the success of higher education as a whole, I often found myself in leadership spaces where others, both marginalized and privileged, had difficulty weighing it against other players at the table.

Challenges Faced in Higher Education When I first retired, I have to admit that this made me mad. I had conversations with peers who asked me to validate my existence, asked what I brought to the table, and even if they didn't know, I knew why they were confused. Their measurement, in their roles—student affairs, academic affairs, development, business services, and administration—was based on what they felt were tangible and measurable results. If their areas succeeded, campuses experienced growth in their financial standing.

For those of us in DEIJ work, the increase of marginalized students brings quantifiable financial gain and stability to an institution. However, I got tired of trying to explain the value of our work to those who were not receptive. I left higher education because it was time. I became disillusioned and felt distanced from the students I adored. I also grew bored with limited thinking. I had enough of explaining and letting people tell me what I didn't know.

Transition to Retirement I appreciate the lessons learned along the way. I had a wonderful career, like any other, full of spectacular highs and extreme lows. I dealt with joyous celebrations, met brilliant people, and helped students and families through horrific life-changing tragedies. I also left with the knowledge that there is a group of rising scholars and administrators equipped to ensure that progress continues in our field.

I hope that they have more patience and self-awareness than I did towards the end. However, even if they don't, they will be fine. I follow in the footsteps of those before me. I am 100 pounds lighter and healthier than I have been in years. Loving our Erie home with my family; on clear days, if I lean to the left, I can see the lake from our yard. I pay myself to thrift so I can run a small business, and I have wonderful memories and great connections with former colleagues and students to remind me that it all matters.

Looking Forward: Hope for DEIJ This is just another one of those cycles that happens when you have big plans and high ambitions for our field.

Stay strong out there, take care of yourself, and retire soon so you can join me at the lake.

This article was created with the assistance of AI technology, reflecting my experiences and perspectives as I explore post-retirement.

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