Sunrise in NY by Mary Liporace Hamilton
Inspired by my colleague Kelly and her mantra “I don’t ask my students to do anything I won’t do,” I’ve decided to start up my blog once again. (Thank you, Kelly) There was a time when I blogged regularly. When my students interacted with me. When interactions from a larger online community took place. On this very website.
Then, little by little, over time, things changed. I threw myself into academic life by attending conferences, writing articles, and starting my research agenda. Back in 2013, I put together a book proposal for the first edition of Social Media: How to Engage, Share, and Connect. It was accepted. So, I began writing and from that point on, I abandoned my blog and tended to my research. Conference after conference, article after article, and book after book, my attention moved away from blogging toward more traditional academic activities. Sure, I still maintained my other social platforms, but I left blogging behind.
Then, my life changed. The past few months have been about starting over.
My family and I left Michigan this summer to find roots back in New York. Our transition started in December when I accepted a position at the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications where I teach public relations and social media.
New house. New schools. New friends. New routines. We are starting anew.
So, it seems fitting that I start this blog over too.
I welcome you to take part in my journey as I rediscover blogging.
Tell me, have you ever started over? What’s the biggest reward? What’s the biggest challenge?
Gina Luttrell 
Can’t wait to follow along on this new journey! Maybe I’ll be inspired to start blogging (regularly) again.
Good, we can blog together and keep each other motivated!
Gina! You left Michigan!? What a big loss for us! At least now if I’m ever in Syracuse I can connect with you! To answer your question, YES! I have had to start over. The biggest challenge is knowing in your mind that you need to hit that restart button and then actually doing it! The reward is knowing deep down that you are fulfilling purpose and maybe positively affecting one or two lives in the process. Gina it so great to be a recipient of your thoughts and your new journey. Looking forward!
I did, I left. Syracuse University was a great opportunity, but more importantly, we are home again. Being close to family was a priority as the girls grew up.
Orlando, I must say, you inspire me every day. Since graduating I’ve followed your work. You spread so much good through your passion and words. I’m a better person by simply knowing you.
Congratulations, Gina. Students in Michigan benefited from your expertise and coaching. Now it’s time for NY students to do the same. I have started over, or taken a new direction, as I like to think. I left a career in corporate public relations for a career in higher education. The biggest challenge is the pay structure change. The biggest reward? Every single student I get to support in their professional journey. Internships landed. Jobs offered and accepted. Mentoring relationships flourishing. Confidence gained. The list goes on and on. I look forward to your new journey.
Thank you! You are absolutely right, the students are what make the job. I still hear from student’s that I taught when I first made the transition to teaching. It really is a blessing.