Category: Jennifer’s notes

At MIT Medical, it’s the season of performance development reviews and goal setting for the next year. It’s a time for looking back and for looking forward. We are asked to share our accomplishments from the past year (sound familiar, Career Connect attendees?), and to think about what we want to achieve in the next…

Introducing the MIT Spouses & Partners Connect luggage tag! My greatest hope is that the things you learn at MIT will support and carry you through the next steps of your journey, wherever they may take you. Your connection to MS&PC doesn’t end when your spouse or partner leaves MIT or you move away from…

What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?John Steinbeck Winter is coming and I know that some of you are just dreading it. It’s your first winter in Boston, and you’ve heard all of the horror stories, especially of the 2014-2015 record setting snowfall. You’re scared of…

“In a world that values the primacy of work,  the most common question that we ask and get asked is“What do you do?”Brene Brown “The Gifts of Imperfection” Recently I had the delightful experience of having a postdoc introduce himself to me as the spouse of an MIT spouse. I love how they turned the…

As I write this post, I’m watching the snow swirl outside of my window – our second snowstorm in less than a week. I’m sure you’ve heard me encourage folks who are new to winter to find something to love about this season – the beauty of the freshly fallen snow, the moments of bright…

As always, it’s been an exciting start to the semester. Our Orientation activities were a great success – we had a strong volunteer team and we were able to give our newest members the information they needed to start a new life here at MIT, as well as opportunities to build connections and friendships in…

Before you came to MIT, you had plans about how you wanted to spend your time in Boston. You were going to find a job, start a degree program, figure out your next career step, have a baby, become fluent in English. Maybe you did some research and you set your goals. You think to…

There is never a dull moment at MIT spouses&partners. It’s been another wonderful year, full of new challenges and stimulating conversations, and many hellos and goodbyes. I spent much of this year deep in conversation with many of you, discussing the image and impact of MIT spouses&partners. I am grateful to everyone who shared their…

Recently I’ve been thinking more deeply about what can help you have a meaningful life at MIT.  Here is my list so far: It can be helpful to have something of your own that you can work towards that isn’t affected by your particular geographic location or your partner’s plans – call it a goal…

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.”  David Henry Thoreau, WaldenI’ve been obsessed with maps recently. Whenever I go on Pinterest, I find myself drawn to images of old maps and crafts that repurpose maps into coasters, storage boxes, and other decorations. I suspect that some of you are spending a lot…