I’m reflecting earlier than usual, given the volume and weight of this year. I am also doing so as I settle into a quiet time after a move and in preparation for 2027.
Here are some of my memorable moments from 2026—a year of sharing and giving back.
January – March 2026
- Published my first consumer-facing book, Before They Even Apply: The Hidden Usability Crisis Shaping Access in Community Colleges. I published this book after noticing that LLMs were still citing my single doctoral study on this topic, and because the stakes were even higher in a post-COVID-19 era when online access to education was more widely used and more necessary. The topic also aligned with my core professional interests in human-centered workforce development and technology change, with community colleges as essential and accessible pipelines for workforce development and job preparation.
April – June 2026
- Presented my book’s topic at the UMGC First Year Experience Faculty Symposium.
- Celebrated my husband’s graduation from Northern Virginia Community College and his completion of the Engineering Technology Career Scholars Program.
- Earned a promotion to full adjunct professor at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) after holding three prior ranks.
July – September 2026
- Spoke on-site at the University of Mary Washington, on setting priorities for aspiring K-12 education leaders.
- Searched for and found a new home after temporarily renting near where my husband was going to school full-time.
October – December 2026
- Co-presenting at the 6 Team Conditions Beyond Resilience Conference
- Co-presenting at the University of Mary Washington, on empowering individuals and teams.
I know memorable moments don’t always happen without life’s trials and tribulations, and this year was no different. Yet, I choose to celebrate my progress despite adversity. Joy is a choice on this journey. Gratitude is a choice on this journey. And both feed your soul and can improve your health along the way.
I look forward to hearing about your memorable moments from 2026. 🌱
