My biggest concern with becoming the Education Department Chairperson was the thought of all the stress.  I’ve been pleasantly surprised that while the job is overwhelming, the emails never-ending, and the problems new everyday, I don’t dislike the position.  I expected to feel stressed, but “stress” isn’t the right word.  The job seems more challenging or overwhelming, not so much “stressful.”

Maybe a quote I saw recently, credited to Simon Sinek, is correct.  The quote is, “Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress; working hard for something we love is called passion.”

What I have learned, regardless of stress, overwhelming tasks, or challenging responsibilities, is that it is difficult to measure progress in the Chair’s position.  I have to focus everyday when I go home to recognize that I did in fact, make progress, I did accomplish something, I was not a complete failure.

Now, it’s 12:02am and I need to get back to work, figuring out how to cover the classes for a faculty member that will be going on medical leave for the semester that begins in less than 2 weeks.  :-O