We Begin Again - Sweet!

As I walked across campus today to attend a 9:00 am meeting two young women approached me. They both looked a bit nervous and somewhat anxious. "Can you tell us where Agronomy is?" New students have arrived on campus and I am reminded what I love about my career - serving, supporting, and encouraging the success of others. The first few days of the semester are filled with constant interruptions, questions, and crisis. In addition students and colleagues stop by to say hello, give/get a hug, and to check in on the summer semester. I find myself exhausted at the end of the day but with one constant feeling - I know why I'm doing what I'm doing, why I'm here, and why it matters. I remember those scary first days of each semester. I remember the terror I felt as a single parent of two (6 and 3) re-entering higher education. I remember how uncertain I was that I could be successful. I remember the kinds words of students affairs professionals, faculty, and traditional aged students telling me I can do it. My life experiences and the things I have survived make me better at my job, better at serving, supporting, and encouraging the success of others. I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to engage with students, staff, and faculty in higher education. Today was a good day! May you have a few of these yourself!