When I compare my first post about being an academic advisor to the one I am writing today, I see that many of my impressions are still positive but stronger: it has been a pleasure to work with my colleagues and students over the past year. I've had the chance to support many students during such a difficult year and to contribute to impactful initiatives including a successful program reaccreditation.

I'm really proud of the students and colleagues who have made it through, doing their best to take care of themselves and others. I'm also proud of the ones who have made decisions to try something new or do things differently in order to adjust to the situation.

 I think corona has shown many of us how much it sucks when so many things are out of your control. Who doesn't love the feeling of satisfaction that comes from putting all your efforts and energy into something and getting your desired outcome? This year we saw that even when we put our best efforts and energy into things we care about, it was often impossible or simply unsustainable to get the same results as we used to.

Eight hours of studying, learning and working online isn't the same as doing those activities on campus. Both environments have their advantages and drawbacks and figuring out how we can do our best in either, or in a world that asks us to switch between both environments, serves us well in the long run. I have found that a combination of both works best for me, but I know this varies for each person, given their situation.

Considering this is one of my last days at TU/e, I'll admit this was not the outcome I expected (or desired) when I started last year in May during the pandemic. At the same time, I also didn't expect that following my curiosity and desire for community by applying for this position would have resulted in one the best experiences of my life. So, in my final days at TU/e, perhaps I'll leave some typical-Lisa parting words:

Having some of the things is much preferred to having none at all

Working through disasters can reveal hope, in ways big and small.

When you're desperate, giving up and slowly losing steam

Reframing the situation is easier with the help of a great team.