Thinking Solo: Words for the Lone Scholar

I’ve never published an academic paper, am waiting on an e-mail from the dean of my local community college to see if I will be permitted one more chance, have never worked collaboratively on a software project, and have made a habit of concealing any moderately novel idea I develop from even those closest to me to prevent embarrassment, miscommunication, or the revelation of failure. This is no way to be, and I am working my way to the far preferable endpoint of open innovation and humble cooperation. I will get there, but this publication is to document my day-t0-day experience as what may be called a lone scholar.