Gardening for Academic Growth ~ Lavender

Another course is about to end. Graduate students are busy with final edits to projects, final questions, final harvesting of resources.

This course was my “Lavender course.” I planted Lavender bunches to replace the lavender that had been lost in the Texas snow storm- (aka “Snow-mageddon”). 

Several weeks later, I am happy to report that the lavender has been through a lot and is trying to hold on after unexpected weather. First, record rain storms dumped three inches of rain on the little lavender plants. The little lavender plant became water-logged. The remnant went through soil drainage and new soil additions. 

Then, there was a week of unexpected temperatures in the high 90’s where some of its leaves dried and burned and the thin, tall stems snapped. 

Yet, some of the lavender remained. 

This week, the lavender keeps holding on, through another weather system of sudden rain. No matter what the abrupt circumstances that seem to always greet it there are a few purple blossoms left hanging on and leaving the faintest scent in the garden.

The lavender is a study in resilience– kind of reminds me of the students in this class! So many had to pivot and adapt abruptly. Many more continue to do adjust to so many new and extra demands.

There is not one graduate student who is teaching the same environment as they were in 2019. 

Not one.

Some of these students are about to wrap up a second year of unprecedented change. They have been expected to pivot with short lead-times or non-existent lead times (I wonder how their administrations can arbitrarily continue to hoist these demands on them).

” Lavender is most commonly used in aromatherapy. The fragrance from the oils of the lavender plant is believed to help promote calmness and wellness. It’s also said to help reduce stress, anxiety, and possibly even mild pain.” ~ Healthline, What lavender can do for you. 

I’m grateful for the privilege of learning from you and with these course warriors! 

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