On balancing academic work and non-academic passions
Training giants on high bar
“remember, this is your JOB.”
Academia has the ability to sneak across the work-life boundary, often unbeknownst to the academic. I was very fortunate to have an advisor who continually reminded me to block my academic work from my other passions. Occasionally, the end of an advising e-mail would read “don’t forget to exercise today!”
Gymnastics
Growing up, I was always involved in sports; I played soccer for about 15 years, but also loved baseball, track, and volleyball. But then after moving to New York City for college, being so heavily involved with competitive sports became a challenge. However, once I moved to Miami to begin my Master’s work, I began attending adult gymnastics classes. I had always been a fan of the sport, but never had the chance to get involved while growing up. Beginning gymnastics at the age of 22 was scary, but also really exciting. I attended these classes for two years and fell so much in love with the sport that when I came to the University of Texas at Austin, I immediately joined their club gymnastics program.
How it helps
Gymnastics, and I argue all sports and physical activity, provides me with…
More structure in my day, which helps me get my research and teaching done in a timely manner
A group of friends and colleagues who are outside my academic circles
A space to release stress (shout out to endorphins and adrenaline)
More opportunities to grow as an athlete and a person