I had planned to consult with a Black colleague, but when…
““I had planned to consult with a Black colleague, but when I approached her in the hall she had a crowd of students about, all of them talking, a stack of books in one arm, a mass of student papers in the other, seven committee reports wedged in between, as well as her small daughter in a backpack, and she was looking surreptitiously at her watch. So I went on reading and taking notes.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
She describes being unable to get a colleague’s attention due to her many responsibilities, so she proceeds alone.
In simple terms: Too busy to help, she works solo.
Key Takeaway
Accept interruptions and keep moving forward.
Themes
gender
workload
communication
collaboration
time management
Mood
frustrated
determined
Type
observational
reflective
When to use this quote
- academic meetings
- mentoring
- multitasking
- parenting
- committee work
Key Concepts
intersectionality
role conflict
institutional expectations
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design spaces that respect busy schedules while fostering collaboration?
- What strategies help balance multiple roles effectively?
A Different Perspective
Assumes the colleague’s busyness is a barrier rather than an opportunity for shared effort.