What you wish you knew then, that you know
now as a faculty member:
How to say "no" and that it's OK to do so even to the chair of your department.
What three steps do you take to prepare for
the school year?
Chill, chill, chill. It's going to change pretty soon.
Most used campus resource and why:
Email - it's an addiction and the library.
Most practical advice for balancing teaching,
scholarship, research and life:
Always prioritize life; this includes finding a partner/friends/cats and dogs who joyfully share it. When you get as old as I am you realize that kids grow up way too quickly and biological clocks actually tick more loudly and faster over time. Forcing yourself to take vacations and down time is good for you and everyone you live and work with.
Get a diary and enter in deadlines ahead of time for work-related obligations/responsibilities to others and for tasks/big vision things you would like to achieve for yourself.
Some people achieve the balance by strictly following the work only in the office and time at home is your non-work logic time.
Find a senior mentor in or outside your department whom you can trust for good, adhoc advice.
In and Around the Northwest
Favorite Northwest activity
or pastime:
- Walk around Greenlake (North Seattle); it's the best people-watching activity.
- Book readings at the Seattle Public Library and the Elliot Bay book store (downtown).
Favorite weekend getaway:
- Portland - spend a day in Powells book shop or
- Vancouver BC - check out Stanley Park and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
Best family-friendly activity:
Magnuson, Carkeek and Golden Garden parks (in the North/North-East). Keep an eye out for year round events like Bumbershoot, Folklife, Bite of Seattle (Seattle Center), Opening Day at the Montlake Cut, and Shakespeare in the Park (Volunteer Park). There's always dancing and free music on Saturdays and community chess at Crossroad Mall in Bellevue.
Favorite happy hour and/or restaurant:
Cafe Lago on Montlake
Favorite place to get cheap eats:
- Urdupi in Crossroads Mall for cheap south Indian food.
- Gorditos on 85th and Greenwood Ave. for cheap Mexican food.
What do you recommend a newcomer to the area
must do and not miss:
Trips to Bloedel Reservation on Bainbridge Island, Hurrican Ridge, Mt. St. Helens, and the San Juans.
Fun fact – my childhood aspiration
was to be……..
A (naiyi) barber; failing which, I was bound for the Indian cricket team.
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