I have an exit plan!

Starting this September, I will be a lecturer with the Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program at MIT. I'll be teaching scientific and technical writing and speaking as an integrated part of science and engineering courses. A 3-year contract, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years. Academia, here I come!

But to back up a bit...Last Friday, I had an interview with the head of MIT's Program in Writing and Humanistic Studies, which oversees WAC. He wanted to know about my overall career path because WAC is not only interested in helping students write, but also in helping instructors achieve their own personal goals. Like many people, he asked me about my BA in English and PhD in Biology. Curiously, he received degrees in the same subjects, but in the reverse order! We also talked about the challenges of teaching writing to science and engineering students. This interview turned out to be the last hurdle because I got a call from the head of WAC that evening offering me the position.

Celebrated by having brunch at the Blue Room yesterday. Food was excellent as usual, and the coconut macaroons are still to die for (just found the recipe!). It was Nikita's first real experience at a restaurant (a pit stop at McDonald's on our way to Maine last year doesn't count), and he did rather well considering that we made him miss his midday nap. He not only sat in the high chair a with minimum amount of fuss, but he actually ate some food. I figured out that he can be content with a slice of hearty bread or fruit. That didn't mean, of course, that the floor was clean when we left!

Igor teased me all weekend because I mused about what the students would call me. I never thought of myself as a teacher (and of all things, writing!), and I don't know how I would react if someone called me "Dr. Roldan". So, Igor tried to teach Nikita that he should now call me "Dr. Roldanov" (a Russification of my name), which led to my coming up with yet another nickname for Nikita, "Toddler Roldanov". Try saying that phrase quickly!

I am absolutely thrilled with the chance of teaching through WAC - and it's not because of the funky acronym. The WAC position is perfect for me at this point of my life because it will broaden my career opportunities. I will gain experience in both teaching AND writing because I will have the time (and be encouraged) to freelance. Or not - I could just hang out with Nikita instead! Plus what other jobs feature the month of January and the whole summer off? The only downside is that I have to buy new clothes - I hate shopping.

Now that my search is over, I can enjoy my evenings again reading and knitting. I didn't go to sleep until 1 am last night because I couldn't tear myself away from listening to Memoirs of a Geisha. I was able to finish the back of Nikita's cardigan in the meantime. There might be a chance of my completing this project in time for our trip to Maine!