i often feel like the most authentic version of myself when i am in the classroom — figuratively, at least. when i am jane the policy adviser or jane the board member or jane the advocate, my views are tempered, strategically framed; i am conscious of my audience and the impact that i hope to achieve. as jane the scholar, though, i feel a little more empowered to be honest; to allow myself the space and time to process information and refine my own perspective; to represent myself and only myself.