I had a friend who liked to eat one part of his meal at a time before moving onto the next one. The first time I realized this, I witnessed him eat every french fry on his plate before touching his hamburger. When I asked why, he said, "My hamburger will still taste good if it's just warm, but the fries are best hot." I, on the other hand, ate a bit of a burger, then a fry or two, then went back to my burger. I liked mixing everything together.
This preference stems beyond my eating habits, however. My professional life permeates every other part of my life: Student emails arrive in my gmail account, I read for pleasure and think of how I can use the piece in my classes, and I constantly think and talk about the courses and students I teach.
Some would call me a dedicated instructor, but I worry this behavior is unhealthy. I am unsure of how to balance being a dedicated, hardworking instructor and being a human being. How to balance being Professor Casey and being Ann.
But is there a difference? Have I not been an educator—in mind and in soul as well as in actions—my entire life?
There are many days I wish I could compartmentalize my life, just as a styrofoam lunch tray separates the main dish from the sides. But even if I could, I would probably mix my food together, anyway.
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