When I visit other universities, I’m always filled with awe - the food, the novelty, the culture, the art!
As I walk the new to me campus, I look for the best - spotting things that I might never have otherwise noticed - embracing the novelty - and swiftly falling in love.
As I meet the faculty, I am impressed - by their work & demeanor - it’s so much fun to meet new people or to renew old friendships.
As I get to know the students - I am fascinated by the topics - and by their personal narratives about why they choose to become faculty.
It doesn’t matter where I go, from Pittsburgh, Kansas to Berlin, Germany - I am always sad to leave - bc of the joy that comes with discovery passes as I return to the familiar.
I find it easy to forget the joy in where I work - the beauty of my campus, the easy going boss, the motivated colleagues, my students - in the day to day tedium of academic life.
That is, until today.
I had the chance to show my campus to one of our German visiting scholars. I’ve been to their campus a dozen times. This was their first visit to mine.
After introductions to faculty, we walked across campus, the library, the food trucks, the coffee shop, and mingled with students along the way.
I watched as my guest enjoyed the novelty, the joy of walking a new campus, and of experiencing a different way of doing things.
I was reminded that as much as I enjoy visiting new places, that home is not so bad. In fact, it has a lot to offer.
I looked around with fresh eyes & was happy to work where I work - and proud to show my guest around.
I am glad that my guest reminded me of the joy that I found on my first visit to my campus.
As school starts, I encourage all of you to take a moment and recall your first day on campus - the feeling of optimism as classes started, the joy of discovery of a new coffee shop or hire, the fun of meeting new colleagues and students.
As you look around, use fresh eyes to see the new academic year as pregnant with opportunity - meet the new faculty, look at campus through their eyes, and feel their optimism as they start their careers.
Through fresh eyes, you will find that tired, mundane campus looks a lot better and may even discober something novel!
For the many people starting their new semester this week and next, all the best!
And to those starting later in the Fall, I hope you take the chance to give your campus a fresh look - you won’t be disappointed!
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