An Attentive Ear

The end of January is here and with it some really great weather. I always look forward to getting outside, as I absolutely love the warm afternoons.  The weather is perfect for planning outdoor excursions with my family. When on a trip or outing, I do what my parents did with me in the car. We often talk about what the soundtrack would be if we were in a movie. My love of music was born from the car trips I had with my family as a youngster.  Even though I was stuck in the middle of the backseat between my older brother and sister, I enjoyed those trips. Listening to the Casey Kasem Top 40 countdown gave me plenty of music to build a really great soundtrack.  That is why my weekly update usually has a ‘cue’ at the bottom.  It is the soundtrack for the piece.  Music can touch us all.  It transcends most all boundaries and can transport us immediately back to a memory.  Many times in our busy days, we hear the music but don’t really listen. Music is just as powerful as words and the impact can be just as large. Isn’t the difference just an attentive ear?  I’ll let you decide.  (cue Andra Day- Rise Up).

Until next time...

Life Goals

Friday has arrived and another week of January is behind us. As we all continue to find ourselves in the middle of the pandemic, we must remember that this is a very difficult time for everyone. Coping can be difficult. For me, I try to focus on what I can control, which is my emotions and my actions.  That, of course, has not always been the case but I have tried to improve personally and professionally in that category.  Years ago, I committed to three goals in my life: To be the best father I can be; to be the best husband I can be; and to be the best human I can be.  Recently, I added to those daily goals after I recovered from a near death experience with COVID-19. I added, “Be Upright”. Though there are days that I fail miserably at all, my daily goals remain. With those failures, I have learned to pause, consider the impact of my actions, apologize when needed, reflect, and most of all make it right. This personal reflection I believe has made me a better educator. I wish you all a most excellent weekend…Go BEARS! (cue Josh Radin - Brand New Day).

Until next time...

Looking on the Bright Side

We have made it to the end of another week and it is astounding how quickly it passed.  As the ‘new guy’ on campus, I have much to learn. Sometimes I feel like I am drinking through a fire hose. Though that is the case, I will always look on the bright side, at least I am hydrated. All kidding aside, the return from break is always a tough one but this one started even more difficult. The loss of one of our students will always be taken horribly.  Delivering condolences on behalf of the staff was my role and though I have done it before, it always stays with me. The words of the father will forever resonate in my head with the question “Did I do enough?” It is impossible to have a conversation like that and not be affected.  People matter. Connections matter. Differences among us all are reduced to trivial when tragedy strikes. Having said that, take a moment to reach out to a student or colleague today and say a kind word or two. You just never know the impact you may have. Have an outstanding Friday and an even better 3-day weekend. Go BEARS!(cue Cranberries, Linger)

Until next time...