Episode 34: Parenting as a Professor

In this conversation, I am joined by the BRILLIANT Professor Kristen O'Halloran Cardinal. Kristen shares her experiences of parenting as a professor. She discusses her journey to becoming a mother, the challenges she faced during pregnancy and delivery, and the decisions she had to make regarding timing and career. 

Kristen also talks about how motherhood has influenced her teaching style, making her more patient and understanding with her students. She reflects on the difficulties of teaching college students during the pandemic and the adjustments she had to make. Finally, Kristen shares the lessons she has learned from motherhood, including the importance of flexibility and letting go of control.

Takeaways

• Becoming a mother while pursuing a career is possible, and it's important to have faith that things will work out.
• Motherhood can change teaching styles, making professors more patient and understanding with their students.
• Teaching college students during the pandemic presented unique challenges, but also provided opportunities for growth and appreciation.
• Motherhood teaches valuable lessons about flexibility, letting go of control, and embracing the unique strengths of each individual.

Chapters

00:00
Becoming a Mother

09:25
How Motherhood Changed Teaching

13:52
Teaching College Students During the Pandemic

26:35
Advice to Younger Self