It is definitely starting to feel like fall.
We were still seeing 70+ degree days here in Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Today we’ll be lucky if it reaches 55. The weather is colder, the nights are longer, the days are wetter. Sigh.
The work cadence is different too.
The fall term is now firmly underway. Folks who were too busy to chat a few weeks ago have found that mid-semester lull and are now resurfacing for air.
It’s conference season.
In cold-weather states we used to say there were two seasons: “winter” and “construction season.” In education, there’s fall, spring, and conference season—and that last one has once again kicked into full gear.
Which means I’ll be on the road every other week for most of September through November. 🙄
I’m not going to lie—I don’t love travel. Being out of my routine and away from my wife is not a particularly joyous experience. I don’t love …
packing
airport germs
disrupted sleep
living off protein bars because there are no vegan food options
people
Okay, maybe that last one isn’t entirely true. I do love people, I just don’t always enjoy being around them.
I’m an introvert, so spending long days networking and talking to people isn’t my idea of a good time. It’s exhausting.
Where’s this going?
Despite my general dislike of travel, I actually really enjoy my work—especially going to conferences.
Working remotely has many advantages, but there’s nothing that replaces those in-person connections.
Last week, I returned from the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. This was a conference I attended for many years as a CIO, but I haven’t been back in four or five years (for some reason, I cannot remember if I last attended in 2021 or 2022).
I walked into a reception the first night—typically an anxiety-inducing experience—and immediately felt at ease. Energized, even.
The room was filled with people I knew. People I respect. People I genuinely love.
One CIO friend came running up to me and gave me a big hug. Another said, “I was hoping I’d see you here!”
Feels like home.
These were my people, and being there felt like coming home.
I didn’t realize how much I missed this community until I stepped into that room on Tuesday evening.
As exhausted as I was at the end of the week, I left EDUCAUSE feeling rejuvenated. My heart was filled with joy, and my cup was full.
*****
The world can feel like a lot right now. What are you doing to fill your cup?
Bonus read: I come back to this piece every few months to remind myself to center my work on things that spark joy—developing leaders, building strategy, leading change, and making an impact in the world.
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So great to see you Rae!