Thread by @RGGonzales1

I started graduate school 20 years ago this week. Through it all, I managed to finish with a PhD, land an academic job, & then take jobs at 3 other unis while earning tenure along the way. If I could go back & give advice to my 20-years-ago self, I would offer the following: 1/

1) Find a question or topic you won't grow tired of and that will carry you through to tenure. Academia is a slog. And it can wear you down in so many ways. So, find something that excites you and propels you out of bed in the morning. 2/

2) If an academic career is really what you want & it’s worth it to put up w/ the unpleasant aspects, pursue it with all you have. Work hard to make a career out of it. It probably won’t be glamorous & you’ll experience toxicity. But it can be incredibly fulfilling & rewarding 3/

2) If an academic career is really what you want and it's worth it to you to put up with the unpleasant aspects, pursue it with all you have. Work hard for it. It probably won't be glamorous and you'll experience much toxicity . But it can be a very fulfilling job and career. 3/

3) Academia is a big tent and there’s a lot of room to do it in the way that best suits you. There are many gatekeepers and rumors and gossip spreads like wildfire. There’s also no shortage of advice and most will want you to do it how they did… 4/

4/ But stick to what feels right to & for you. Think of geography & job satisfaction. Pick the scholars and threads you want to be in conversation with. And be assured that those choices are the right ones. Be prepared to defend them. 5/

5/ And most of all, enjoy this privileged space to which your family will never have access to. Remember why you are here: because you have something to say and that you believe it is worth people’s time to listen to it. Always enjoy the ride! end/

Sorry, forgot to add this (perhaps the most important): Believe that you have the capacity to be successful and that your words and your work have the potential to make change in this world. reallytheend/