On Halloween, I make my rounds on campus and visit people. The list varies a bit based on my mobility and time each year, but I try to include people across the whole campus.
One of these trips took me to an office I hadn’t interacted with much and to the desk of someone I didn’t know well, but had worked with a few times.
She didn’t know what to make of me at first, then I took off my overly elaborate mask and introduced myself again.
And she lit up. She’d been having a rough week and was feeling down about her job – and was delighted that someone cared enough to go to all that trouble just to visit people. We talked for a few minutes – with her beaming all the while – before I needed to head out and continue my visits. I made her day and her delight made my day as well. And we’ve remained good friends since.
This morning, I heard that a department closely connected to hers had been obliterated by the cuts. Worried, I sent her an email to check on her and her group.
A few minutes later, my phone rang. I was relieved that she called and she was relieved that I answered. We talked quietly for a few minutes – reassuring each other and commiserating – then told each other to take care.
When I got off the phone, I teared up a bit. It was like hearing about a tornado hitting your home town and calling family to make sure they are okay.
I got a few more “are you okay?” calls over the day and I know that was a common occurrence on campus.
So, I sit here tonight with a snoring cat at my feet and a hot cup of tea slowly cooling at my side – trying to get some perspective.
These hardworking and talented folks will find new opportunities in short order, I know. And those that remain will somehow find ways to do the work of 3 or 4 more people – in addition to the 2 or 3 jobs they were already doing.
And life at the university will go on. Though I think something got broken this time.
I’m still waiting to hear back from a few people who I knew were in jeopardy. And the next few weeks as we try to ramp up for the start of the semester will be rough.
But we are survivors. Those that lost their jobs and those that remain.
And we will get through this.