Every business has its peak times and academia is no different. The beginning of the fall semester is definitely a peak time at The Florida State University. New schedules, new meetings, new students, new classes, and – yes – a new football season. After surviving the first week, I checked my writing schedule only to be reminded that I have two award applications due in October. Both require three letters of reference and detailed descriptions of my projects. These applications have been thought about, but they have not been drafted. I’ve lost at least three weeks finishing up vacations, prepping for class, and getting back in the swing of things. When will I be able to catch my breath enough to finish a draft of something so important up to six respected colleagues will have to review it?
As with all academic work, there is only the time one makes. If I really want these awards and the opportunities that come with them, I will make the time to write them. This will be time carved out between meeting classes and preparing for classes (I’ve not even arrived at the grading classwork part of the semester yet); revising a journal article; drafting a book proposal; and keeping up with the current criticism in my field. There are also new committee meetings and new discussion groups I participate in both for my own edification and to mentor students. Still, my life is the absolute norm in academia. We balance many tasks, all of which take enormous mental energy. But mental energy, intellectual stimulation, a great idea, and an impossible problem energize academics. Awards put us in touch with other great thinkers and expand not only our sphere of influence but also the sphere that influences us. So while you are carving up your calendar, block out some time to apply or nominate a colleague for one of the following awards.
http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=sf.welcome
Over 50 ACS Awards due 11/1:
Multiple AERA Awards due 11/1:
http://www.aera.net/AboutAERA/Default.aspx?menu_id=20&id=240
Multiple Book Prizes available through OAH:
http://www.oah.org/activities/awards/
