On Sunday, my friend Samina threw a going away party. No, I don't leave for another few months--but Samina wanted to have the party while everyone was still in town. Turned out she made a great choice--just about everyone in my department came as did some of my friends in other departments. I'm having a hard time saying everyone came for me; I think it was a combination of Samina, me, the end of the semester, and the chance to socialize with each other. Still, I'm not sure I've ever seen that many of us out for an event, even for department meetings.
I was really moved by my department's support. In fact, they have always been supportive of me and my work. I felt at ease in the department from the very beginning, able to speak my mind at department meetings and to work to help the department change without any antagonism. I feel like my colleagues respect me and even like me (for the most part). And over the years, I've seen some really good changes happen. Due to some of my colleagues' acceptance of jobs elsewhere, I've become the first of the new generation of hires. But I think all of us who have stayed feel like the department is on our side when it comes to decisions of tenure, etc. By the way, this party was also a way of honoring Steve, who just got tenure, and Magda, who was promoted to full professor.
A few of us stayed late, noshing, talking and laughing around the dining room table. It was a really nice way of ending such a pleasant evening. As I leave for this new experience in Norway, I'm glad to have this good memory of my friendships at the university. I know when I have bad days in Norway, so far from the people who have become my community, I'll think of the party and all the good about home. I'm so grateful to my colleagues and friends for their warm send off.
