One of my favourite Christmas present this year has been Becoming by Michelle Obama. I am sure this has been a popular choice as a gift, and I can say I definitely enjoyed it. I thought I would devour it in a couple of sitting (as it happens when I like a book) but I found myself slowing down as I was reading it, just to savour every page. I liked its honesty and simplicity but I also found a surprising number of commonalities, which I would have not expected. After all, I have not much in common with the previous First Lady of the White House. However, it turns out that being a woman, having children and trying to balance life and career, presents you with very similar challenges, or so I felt. And therefore I started reading it with a different, renewed interest, not just because I was enjoying it, but because I thought I could find some wisdom to apply to my own life, and in my new endeavour, as senior mentor for returners to science. Am I good enough? Is a key question in the initial part of her life and book. This is something I feel so personally, as I always struggle with insecurity and impostor syndrome. I know these are common feelings for women in general, but especially for those (men and women) who work in the very competitive environment that is academia. I could really empathise with Michelle Obama's need for seeking other people's approval and recognition. Especially since coming back following a career change and an extended career break, I am constantly questioning whether I belong in academia. And yet I think that, having spent time away gives me and other returners to science, a different perspective, one that can bring different skills, opinions and experiences. A bit like a breath of fresh air.
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AuthorGraziella Iossa Archives
August 2023
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