I recently applied for a position as an academic advisor in the anthropology department at a university. With my background, including an MA in classical archaeology and another in applied linguistics, I feel well-equipped for the role. For the past 20 years, I've taught ESL to adult learners, and at 60 years old, I believe my experience would make me a strong candidate. However, I'm facing a challenge with my references. My teaching experience has been primarily on a contract basis across various community colleges and universities, which means I haven't built lasting collegial relationships. I reached out to a couple of old contacts for references, but unfortunately, I haven't received any responses yet. I'm feeling quite discouraged because I genuinely think this job aligns well with my skills and career goals at this stage. I'm seeking advice on how to navigate this situation and improve my chances of securing the position.