Navigating Impermanence
The saying “this too shall pass” holds significant meaning for me.
It encapsulates the transient nature of life’s experiences—whether they bring joy or sorrow.
Though I can’t trace its origins—whether it’s from literature or shared wisdom—it has certainly become a guiding principle in my life.
This simple idea suggests that every moment is fleeting and will ultimately evolve into something new.
Understanding this perspective is vital, as it underscores the continual flow of time and the impermanence of all things, including our very existence.
While some might view this realization as gloomy, I find a certain comfort in knowing that everything is temporary.
This truth becomes especially poignant when we consider our successes and struggles.
The circumstances we face today are bound to change, making it essential for us to engage with our present situation thoughtfully, ensuring that the future holds opportunities for positivity and growth.
Challenges in Higher Education
In the realm of higher education, this mindset is particularly pertinent.
With a political environment increasingly hostile toward universities, challenges loom large on the horizon.
Many institutions appear overly reactive to current pressures, prioritizing immediate compliance over long-term strategic thinking, which could lead to unintended consequences.
It’s bewildering to see established institutions show such susceptibility during tumultuous times.
Scholars like Timothy Snyder have termed this behavior “obeying in advance,” a tendency that is starkly evident today.
Take, for instance, Texas A&M University, which, alongside other Texas public universities, has recently stepped back from its support of the PhD Project—an initiative aimed at fostering diversity among doctoral candidates.
Reports suggest this about-face was driven by conservative activist threats, revealing the university’s anxiety surrounding Texas’s SB 17 law, which prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at public institutions.
The president acknowledged that they had not fully considered the ramifications of their initial commitment, hinting at a surrender to prevailing political pressures.
As activists like Christopher Rufo work to redefine higher education through a distorted lens of “fairness,” various states are moving to implement bans on DEI initiatives.
This shift threatens to diminish representation for marginalized individuals within prestigious academic environments.
Looking Ahead
In reflecting on our current circumstances, we must also question the future trajectory.
Will decisions made by institutions like Texas A&M unintentionally lead us back to segregation? And what implications would such a direction have for the university, or even the state as a whole?
This possible resegregation in higher education might echo the sentiments of many in Texas.
If that’s the case, these institutions find themselves at a pivotal crossroads.
However, I wonder how long they can tolerate external pressures that shape their policies, especially from figures like Chris Rufo or Elon Musk.
The future awaits us beyond our present challenges, and our responses to today’s landscape will greatly influence what lies ahead.
It concerns me that decision-makers may be losing sight of the important distinction between the immediate now and the forthcoming next.
While most of us may not hold sway over the decisions that shape large institutions, we can still apply this mindset in our personal lives.
In just a few weeks, I will release my new book, *More Than Words: How to Think About Writing in the Age of AI*.
I have poured my heart and effort into this project, hoping it will make a meaningful contribution to the realms of writing and education.
Yet, embarking on a single book venture can feel overwhelming.
As many authors can attest, success isn’t guaranteed.
It’s crucial to navigate the tension between investing ourselves fully in the present and recognizing the inevitability of future projects.
What lies ahead for me may directly connect to this current work, potentially leading to more speaking engagements and workshops centered around my educational philosophy.
Alternatively, this might mark the close of an era that began with my previous book.
To ease my concerns, I often reflect on what I would pursue if a significant part of my current professional life were to disappear.
This consideration became especially relevant as I acknowledged that a tenure-track teaching position was no longer aligned with my path.
In visualizing my next phase, I imagine reaching out to local music schools to offer drum lessons while also exploring a creative idea that has been brewing in my mind.
Although there is a sense of disappointment in accepting that my current dreams may not materialize as expected, I remain hopeful about discovering joy in new avenues.
To fulfill their core missions, institutions must brace for the uncertainties that lie ahead by acknowledging the omnipresent nature of change.
Likewise, individuals must stay engaged in the present while contemplating the potential demands of the future.
Striking this balance can be challenging, yet it is essential for realizing success.
Source: Insidehighered