An reflection on Jun 18
Having my own department—albeit one with a relatively unimportant role—has been an unexpected blessing. I don’t have to attend unnecessary faculty meetings or engage in departmental politics. It’s just me. This independence gives me space to manage my time, explore the field, and, more importantly, learn. Being free to travel to Europe for conferences and stay on for fieldwork and teaching is a luxury—one that few scholars tethered tightly to institutions can afford. It’s not just about the funding; it’s the freedom. And I’m deeply grateful to those who’ve made it possible: the friends who offered a couch, a meal, a ticket, a quiet restroom, or just a moment of prayer. With each small act, they’ve contributed to something much larger. My journey into public health led me to the phenomenon of hikikomori, which in turn opened doors to understand internet addiction and a host of other modern afflictions among young adults—what some might call the condition of being “unfit” for today’...