Circling the Flame

This is a sort-of-sequel to this post.

Starting in October, I kept track of my own estimations of where I might end up in 2016. This is the result.
Starting in October, I kept track of my own estimations of where I might end up in 2016. This is the result.

It is all-but-decided that I will be joining the faculty of the University of Nevada, Reno in September. This blog has been going since I was a junior in college, it’s strange to think about how I’ve completely turned the tables and am now a professional academic. I had a great showing in my job search this year. I applied to 16 jobs, received six interview requests, turned four of those into on-campus visits, and have received one job offer. One is all I needed, of course. I still haven’t heard a “no” from Rhodes (but they sucked anyway) nor Bryn Mawr (but they didn’t seem to want me anyway).

 

Reno wasn’t my top choice, but it was always a heavy contender for me, as it is relatively close to my family and reminds me of my home institution. I was bothered by the griminess of the town when I visited and by one of the faculty members who told me a joke where the punchline was a Texan killing a Mexican. Nevertheless, it was my top option in a number of my metrics – availability of Mexican food, walkability to work, nearness of family, retirement package, % likelihood of tenure. It was in the middle of many more – temperature, fun things, campus beauty, coffee shops, class sizes, nearness to friends, etc. It was only my worst option in terms of nearness to my partner and student quality (I assume).

Final job results
Final job results

So I’m happy to be (very likely) joining the faculty in the Fall. I get happier the more I think about it, actually. It just fits. I’m also humbled, because I know how hard it is to get this sort of job and how lucky (really) I am. My heart goes out to everyone whose journeys are still ongoing. Stay strong.

 

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