Head of Department (HOD): to be or not to be?

Abstract

I am a qualified, HPCSA registered, independent practice sono- grapher who entered academia 7 years ago after which I applied for the position as Head of Department and was appointed ap- proximately 2 years ago during the pandemic in the lockdown period in South Africa. The time at which I was appointed in itself and the transition from an academic to that of a manager and leader posed many challenges. I had to learn on the job as there was no one to mentor me, therefore I had to enrol myself with online leadership and management workshops to better equip and upskill myself with innovative ways that would en- able me to overcome the challenges in academic leadership and management. Being a young female of colour stepping into a management environment leading a team of students and staffcan be daunting, creating anxiety and can negatively influence your mental well-being. Writing this poem gives me the op- portunity to share with you the daily challenges faced in the position during the pandemic and post COVID-19. I believe in being true to yourself and doing what is right and just. Al- ways exercise humility as this is key to success. During times of uncertainty and when you feel like you have nowhere to go, family is always there supporting, loving, caring and uncondi- tionally accepting.