Beginnings and Endings

 My time at Transylvania University began with a simple email sent in the summer of 2012.

“My name is Josh Adkins. I’m finishing my PhD in Entomology at UK and am looking for teaching opportunities in higher education. Do you have need for an adjunct professor for the upcoming semester?”

It turned out that the answer to that question was “yes!” What I didn’t know at the time was that semester stint in teaching at Transy would be the beginning of a nine year long position, first as a visiting professor and then as adjunct professor and lab coordinator in the biology program. It was a very exciting opportunity for someone fresh out of graduate school, and I was very thankful for it. It seemed to happen at just the right time.

I learned a lot over these past nine years, especially about teaching, acceptance, and composure. I had opportunities to work on research with a dynamic group of undergraduates, and see them move on to either the professional world or graduate school. I learned about professional decorum and conduct, the ways that good professors can help elevate students to achieve their goals, and how some students work hard to help elevate their classmates. I learned that some teaching techniques don't work for me, and others work remarkably well, and that success in the classroom isn't measured in memorized facts but in processes to acquire knowledge, and that fostering curiosity in students is a big win. I found that some students will always find reasons to dislike a professor or a class or a subject, while others take advantage of every opportunity to push themselves outside their academic comfort zones and learn something new. I laughed, cried, hurt, and hoped with students that I came to know as friends. I learned about academic turfdoms and egotism, but also worked with exemplary professors who provided models of patience and grace. For every metaphorical fire that I encountered, there was a balm, and with every day that passed I discovered more about becoming an effective teacher. 

As of June 30, 2021, I will no longer be the lab coordinator and adjunct professor in Biology at the oldest college west of the Alleghenies. 

Transylvania University will always be an important part of my education, even though I was by definition a teacher at this storied institution in my home state, I discovered that I remained a student. The lessons I learned and skills I developed there won't soon be forgotten. I'll take them with me into my new role as an 8th grade science teacher at East Jessamine Middle School. 

It's a new adventure, one that I'm excited to embark upon!