What this tired teacher wants to leave behind in 2022
I had high hopes for Fall 2022, I really did. I admit worrying for a bit that I wouldn’t remember how to …
The Rage and Devastation of Being a Woman in America Today
I’m one of those obnoxious people who loves birthdays. Especially my own. A day to celebrate me? To open presents? To eat …
The emotional tax of dropping mask mandates for travel
I’ve studied emotion management in air travel and TSA airport security for 12 years. My first scholarly publication likens the emotions in …
When your go-to burnout management strategies stop working
“Have you become cynical or critical at work?” Well, my self-appointed nickname is Cynical Shawna. “Do you drag yourself to work and …
Trying (and failing) to care less
Normally when a new semester starts, I think about what I want to accomplish–for myself professionally, with my students, in the department/university. …
The emotional roller coaster of graduate advising
I wasn’t supposed to be in the office that Tuesday morning, but the deadline for a conference paper was looming, and I …
A little customer service gratitude this holiday season
Yesterday was A. Day. The kind where the drive home was a rumination of all the things I should’ve said, plus regret …
The fear of not feeling for Las Vegas
I was elbow deep in laundry, midway through Project De-Crapheap the House, when Mr. T asked if I had any desire to …
Exam time: I’m not “giving” grades
“Where did you see the score??” “She just posted them.” “When? I just looked awhile ago.” “No, like just posted.” I listened as …
All the feels
Anger. Irritation. Sadness. Engagement. Chagrin. Satisfaction. Pride. Possibility. As a researcher, I’m interested in how emotion influences communication. When I’m angry, how …