Words to live by, from former University of Illinois Atmospheric Sciences department head Bob Rauber to future University of Maryland climate researcher Alexandra Jones:
“He used to say, ‘Get a good mattress and a job that doesn't feel like work and you are guaranteed to be happy for at least two-thirds of every day,” Jones says. “He was funny and wise and had a lot of sage advice.”
Now the director of the Atmospheric and Oceanic Science Undergraduate Program at the University of Maryland — and the recently named academic advisor of the year by the school provost — Jones holds two atmospheric sciences and meteorology degrees from Illinois, where she made lifelong friends and lasting memories.
Among them:
“My research advisor taught me to choose the work that is both interesting and important and you won't have a hard time getting it funded or sticking with it. Whenever self doubt crept in, I would ask myself: ‘What would Larry do/say?’
“He always had a lot more confidence in me than I did myself. So, I would adopt his mindset whenever I was writing a proposal or applying for a job.”
“A research scientist in the department who always seemed to be loving life and avoiding the stress of the tenure-track faculty. From his example, I learned to be excellent at what you are passionate about and you can chart your own career path and people will resource it.”
“I had the incredible opportunity to be a Blue Waters fellow as a graduate student. Working with the Blue Waters staff and harnessing that incredible super computer for my research was so empowering.
“I learned that my work, knowledge and skills were incredibly valuable and cool, even outside of my domain.”
“I had an amazing group of peers in the atmospheric science graduate student group. We pushed each other and supported each other. I learned how to build honest, deep relationships and come together to make something out of nothing.
“We started a regional conference together. We organized a merit badge day for local scout troops. We gave each other feedback on papers and presentations, and helped each other find jobs.
“And we had a lot of fun too! I feel lucky to still have them in my network of friends and colleagues to this day.”
“Not officially U of I, but the community I found at Wesley UMC on Green Street was maybe the most impactful on my life. I got to be my whole self there. We celebrated together and mourned together. We protested together and performed acts of charity together. It really informed who I am as a person more than anything else on this list.
“I will always be grateful to that community that continually pours into its student members knowing full well that they will inevitably move on when their degree is completed. They gave me so many opportunities to hone my skills in leadership and service — leading study groups, organizing peace and justice Sunday, chairing the social action committee, participating in steering a million dollar capital campaign.
“I don't think I could be the director of an undergraduate program and academic advisor, leading several committees at the University of Maryland, without the experience I gained at Wesley.”
