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Over two months ago I received notice that as of today I will be promoted to Associate Professor with tenure. This is one of those important milestones for anyone in an academic career but has been a particularly long road for me. I’ve sat down many times over the last weeks...
... trying to express my appreciation, and I just couldn’t find the right words. I contemplated not sharing this at all, but felt it is more important to inadequately reflect on the events of the last 20+ years that led to this point rather than to not do so at all.
There was a recent string of Twitter posts in which people were pointing out their academic successes in light of the people who “held them back” and didn’t support them over the years. Those sentiments do not reflect “my story”. My story is not one of success despite the...
...actions of others, but rather the ONLY reason I’ve been able to accomplish anything, personally or professionally, is because of the tremendous outpouring of support from family, friends, and mentors. Looking back over the years, there have been so many people who created...
...opportunities for me. Opportunities that, frankly, I didn’t deserve. They were gifts of grace. And each “gift of grace” opened doors that introduced me to even more people who supported me in ways I could never have imagined. I didn’t grow up in an environment where...
...academic success was a realistic trajectory. There was no “road to success” written in my childhood. There were many challenges, not worth mentioning here. But through the challenges, I was always supported. So, while this thread of posts may be long, I wanted to...
...acknowledge and thank those people who have given me much more than I deserved over the years.
First to my wife Lindsay… over the last twenty years, more than half my lifetime, you have never wavered in your love and commitment. From the day we met, you’ve supported me...
First to my wife Lindsay… over the last twenty years, more than half my lifetime, you have never wavered in your love and commitment. From the day we met, you’ve supported me...
...in every crazy dream. A few weeks before we were married, I had a conversation with your dad, where he was trying to understand how I was going to achieve all these crazy dreams I had. His concern showed what a great father he is, because none of those dreams made any sense...
...But because of you, through 11 years of college, 3 years of postdoc training, moving back and forth between 5 different states… you’ve made those dreams a reality. You’ve sacrificed in ways I could never have asked. You sacrificed your career aspirations, putting mine first.
...You have given up, many years with your family, and missed many very special and precious moments. You’ve changed more diapers and wiped away more tears than anyone could count as you’ve cared for our children with unbelievable grace and poise. Thank you isn’t enough; it...
...never will be. I’m grateful that you’ve chosen to walk these years with me.
To my Mom (Betsy) and Dad (Chris)… through many difficult years I never recall either of you telling me I couldn’t achieve something. Although there were many obstacles and challenges along the...
To my Mom (Betsy) and Dad (Chris)… through many difficult years I never recall either of you telling me I couldn’t achieve something. Although there were many obstacles and challenges along the...
...way, you continually fanned the flames of my dreams, pushed me to achieve things I didn’t know were possible.
Mom – I recall countless times in school or sports where you wouldn’t settle for anything less than my best. You were always my relentless...
Mom – I recall countless times in school or sports where you wouldn’t settle for anything less than my best. You were always my relentless...
...cheerleader. I love you, thank you!
Dad – I think often about a conversation we had during my first semester of undergrad. I had a chemistry test the next day, among many other things that were overwhelming me. You told me to just focus on that one test… at that moment...
Dad – I think often about a conversation we had during my first semester of undergrad. I had a chemistry test the next day, among many other things that were overwhelming me. You told me to just focus on that one test… at that moment...
...one test was all I had to do. Well, “one test at a time” got me through a few hundred exams over the years. The unending support you both provided have sustained me over the years. I love you, thank you!
Bobby – thanks for always being there, even when we weren’t nearby...
Bobby – thanks for always being there, even when we weren’t nearby...
...I’ve always looked up to you and you’ll always be my big brother and my best friend. Your support and encouragement over the years have meant more than you can know. Love you and thank you!
Linda and Keith – thank you for welcoming me into your family. Thank you for overseeing my flaws and allowing me to marry your daughter. Your home was always one of those places that drew people in. It was safe, comfortable, and the door was literally always unlocked. I owe...
... you more than anyone could imagine. Linda – we see you in the boys every day, especially Elliott. The “Linda” is strong with that one. The boys may not remember everything, but we’ll never let them forget.
While in 6th grade, a family situation required me to move from New Hampshire to Delaware. This was stressful and trying on many levels. Even though I never discussed the difficulties, one of my teachers, Mr. Don Conti, realized something was wrong. He went out of his way to...
...help. He talked, listened, and was extremely supportive during a very difficult time. Don – thank you for reaching out when you didn’t have to. Thank you for being encouraging when there was little about which to be encouraged. Many teachers would not even have noticed the...
...challenges I faced, let alone intervene and be the much-needed help that you were. Thank you!
I had the privilege of having Ms. Pamela Meek as a math teacher for two years in high school. Ms. Meek – you’ve been a cornerstone of the education of thousands of students in...
I had the privilege of having Ms. Pamela Meek as a math teacher for two years in high school. Ms. Meek – you’ve been a cornerstone of the education of thousands of students in...
... Smyrna, DE. Despite the numerous times I came to you for help with math, you were nothing but gracious and helpful. I recall numerous times getting off of the bus after late night wrestling or soccer matches to see you just leaving the building. Your example of hard work...
...and kindness have stayed with me throughout the years and remain something I continually work to emulate. Thank you!
Ms. Cathy Stewart – I believe you saw something in me that I didn’t know was there. Thank you for allowing me to constantly “badger” you with questions...
Ms. Cathy Stewart – I believe you saw something in me that I didn’t know was there. Thank you for allowing me to constantly “badger” you with questions...
...Thank you for your graciousness as you allowed me to “loudly debate” with classmates over controversial topics. Thank you for the gift you gave me my senior year...
“There are no weeds, and no worthless men. There are only bad farmers.” ~ Victor Hugo Ms. Stewart - thank you for being an amazing farmer!
