The Joy of Rising Together: On Academic Friendship, Generosity, and Collective Success

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There’s something quietly radical about genuinely celebrating the success of others in academia.

In a field that so often rewards individualism, competition, and a certain “climbing” mentality, I find deep joy in the opposite: in lifting others up. In sending that enthusiastic email when a colleague lands a tenure-track position. In watching a mentee receive a paper award. In seeing someone I admire finally get the recognition they’ve long deserved. In knowing that behind every award, every job offer, every promotion, there are often many others who contributed—through letters, encouragement, feedback, or solidarity.

Don’t get me wrong—those who thrive on ambition and strategic networking can do their thing. But I’ve found that what sustains me is connection. Not transactional relationships but those built on curiosity, friendship, and a shared pride in doing the work differently. I’d rather be part of a community of weirdos, of rule-benders and quiet disruptors, than a race to the top.

And part of that community-building means actively practicing academic generosity. It means:

• Sending funding opportunities to others when they align better with their work than mine.

• Writing strong, specific, and heartfelt letters of recommendation.

• Highlighting a colleague’s work during my talks or inviting them as webinar guests or guest lecturers.

• Offering a student or early-career scholar the chance to co-author, or contribute to a book chapter I was invited to write.

• Publicly and privately celebrating wins, big or small—because we all know how rare it can feel.

• Sharing application tips, rejection stories, and wisdom learned the hard way.

It’s not just about “giving back”—it’s about cultivating a culture where rising together is the norm, not the exception. Where mentorship isn’t gatekept. Where success isn’t a limited resource.

There’s power in this kind of collective care. And there’s pleasure, too. Genuine, heartwarming, soul-filling pleasure.

So here’s to the joy of seeing others shine. To the quiet rebellion of academic generosity. To building a community where we grow not alone, but together.