This poem is by an adjunct professor at Andrews University who wished to remain anonymous.
When I log on to “my” office computer,
The screen welcomes me with the words: “Other User.”
I am an adjunct instructor.
Not eligible for tenure,
Not eligible for benefits,
Not eligible for retirement.
For ten years I have been working for this institution,
But I am not recognized for my years of service.
Do I teach differently than a tenured professor?
Maybe.
Maybe I put in more effort because I worry that I am expendable.
Maybe I wish someone would notice my good teaching and
Offer me a permanent position not subject to
Renewal semester by semester.
Maybe I wish I didn’t have to work another evening job
Just to make ends meet,
To build up my income for the Social Security record –
The record that tells me I will be living below the poverty level when I no longer
Can work.
Would any university survive without adjuncts and graduate assistants?
I doubt it.
So why do we do it?
Passion for teaching?
No other work in our field?
Maybe God put the willingness in our hearts and the stars in our heavenly crowns
– We are “other” here –
Because we belong there – with HIM.
For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.