As the final stretch of the academic year approaches, May becomes more than just a calendar month; it’s a mindset shift. Whether you’re an educator closing out the school year or a doctoral student pushing toward a summer deadline, this season calls for one thing: purposeful pause.

For Educators:
You’ve given your all; lesson plans, student growth, parent communication, team meetings, classroom resets; the list is endless. Take a moment to reflect on your impact. What worked well this year? What would you tweak? Most importantly, how will you celebrate your growth and make space to recharge before fall?

For Doctoral Students:
The journey can feel never-ending, especially when coursework, research, and life collide. Use this month to do a spring reset; organize your research files, revisit your writing schedule, and reassess your goals for the summer. Don’t underestimate the power of clarity when you’re overwhelmed.

This Month’s Challenge:

• Educators: Write down three things that went well this school year; and one thing you’ll do just for you this summer.
• Doctoral Students: List two areas of progress in your work (even small ones!) and set one realistic writing goal for June.

May we give ourselves grace.
May we breathe.
May we continue… even when we feel like we can’t.And when in doubt—write it down anyway.