“Find a Falling Star” H.H. Nininger, Paul S. Eriksson, Inc. (1972)
Once upon a time, when I was a very tired graduate student, I wandered through the library and happened upon this book.
I literally could have happened upon any other book. My university’s library system boasts one million volumes.
I, however, stopped directly in front of this book and picked it up off the shelf.
I checked it out, but never got around to reading it. (I was taking three classes and working as an assistant to a blind English professor, so I didn’t have much time for pleasure reading.)
Probably five times thereafter, I repeated this process of wandering, stopping in front of this book, checking it out, cherishing it (but never fully reading it) and returning it.
I should note that not once did I ever look up the call number for this book in the library catalog. My encounters with it have been completely by chance.
As much as I loved this book, though, I did not think I would ever own a copy. This book is somewhat rare and a bit expensive.
Fast forward to last week, when I found a used copy for a very nice price.
Now, this book that I have loved for so long sits on my shelf, and I am committing to read it cover to cover.
I am resolving to start a new job in 2023.
My goal is to find a full-time position in which I communicate about disease and public health.
As a historian, I have spent 21 years studying epidemics and public health policy. I have written major papers on colonial American quarantine laws and the 1918 pandemic.
As a communication researcher, I wrote my master’s thesis on social support related to HIV/AIDS in religious settings.
I have Bachelor of Arts degrees in history and communication and Master of Arts degrees in history and communication.
I turn in all of my work ahead of deadlines.
I am willing to relocate at my own expense.
I am vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you have a position for which my skills might be a good fit or know someone who does, please email me.
You can find writing samples here.
You can find a letter of recommendation from my master’s adviser here.
Thank you.
Elizabeth Grisham 
