On New Year's Resolutions

Greetings again. I hope 2010 has started well for you.

In the United States, we tend to make New Year’s resolutions. Popular resolutions include exercising more, saving money, becoming better at a foreign language, and volunteering to help others.

Sometimes I think my international work began with a New Year’s resolution. Here’s the story.

In the early 1980s, I lived in a US city with many good Chinese restaurants. I enjoyed eating at these restaurants, but I was embarrassed that I couldn’t use chopsticks well.

Therefore my New Year’s resolution in 1982 was to become skillful with chopsticks. When I ate at home, I practiced using chopsticks, even when eating American food. Gradually I improved.

Late in 1982, I was asked to apply for a position teaching scientific writing in China. I joke that someone was watching and saying, “Now we can send her to China. She won’t starve.”

I spent 2 years teaching in China. It was the start of my international work.

Have you made a New Year’s resolution? If not, perhaps make one that relates to the goals of AuthorAID. Here are some things to consider resolving to do:

• If English isn’t your native language, every week read something in English, and notice some words or phrases that you could use.
• If you haven’t been writing much about your work, spend at least an hour a week doing so.
• If you’re an experienced researcher or editor, mentor an early-career researcher this year through AuthorAID.

Wishing you a productive and rewarding 2010!