Does anyone really look forward to the first day back at work or back at school after a wonderful holiday break? I would be lying if I said my feet didn’t drag just a little bit on my way in from the parking lot. Of course, I am fortunate enough to have a job that I love, at a place where I really enjoy working, so I am definitely giving thanks for that!
I was also given a little boost of energy because I was looking forward to welcoming two students to campus for their visit. I have been communicating with these two high school juniors ever since I met them at a college fair last spring, and I was very excited for them to see the campus and meet all the people who share their interests and passions. The walk from my office to the theater department, where I was taking them to see a professor, takes maybe 5 minutes. During that time, I said “hello” to six different students… two of them were former “admission counsel-ees”, two are members of a student organization I advise, one was in a Spanish class I audited, and one is a tour guide in our office.
I was struck, as I so frequently am, by the amazing community we have here. These two visitors probably thought I had planted all these students along our route (Emma and Skylar, if you’re reading this, I didn’t!) in order to showcase the friendly, outgoing nature of our students. In actuality, Gustavus shows that off for me, all on its own. I am so thankful to be a part of that!