The Longest Summer in my Life Finally Comes to an End

This summer seemed really long. Maybe it seemed so long because it just blended together with the rest of the three years I spent looking for a job since I got my PhD. Or maybe it is because almost everyday was warm and sunny during the two years I spent in Arivaca. Or maybe it is because I have spent the summer in three different places. First, I was in Arizona, then California and now finally I am in Kyrgyzstan. At any rate, tomorrow I start my first academic job. I will teach my first class ever at 4:00 pm Bishkek time. A lot of people spent a lot of time and effort to prevent me from getting this far. Up until a few months ago I honestly did not think I would ever get a university position.