相信归属

inutes before my very first lecture to first-year undergraduates, I stood outside a locked lecture hall fumbling with my bag, trying to get in and set up before the students arrived. A passing staff member reassured me: “Don’t worry, you aren’t late. The professor will be here soon to set up the room.” Those words confirmed my worst fear: I did not look the part. Doing my best to keep a level voice, I replied, “I am the professor, could you please help me open the door?” This wasn’t the first time in my career I have been assumed to be less than what I am. …