In the petty politics of academic life, faculty often lose track of what matters.
We bicker. We fight. We pack grudges. Often, about the smallest things - a comma, a grade, an idea.
I am guilty of these crimes.
Most often.
We forgive. We forget. We let go. Especially, when reminded of more important things - a sick colleague, a troubled student, an emergency away from work.
I have benefited from academics’ selective memory.
Tonight, as I skimmed the clouds, I was reminded that we always come together about what matters.
We believe in progress.
We value diversity in ideas, challenging the status quo, and changing lives. We believe in the strength of communities of ideas. We believe that people can get better. We believe in second careers and second chances.
We believe we can change students lives.
As I flew out to teach in Denmark tonight, a trip long delayed because of COVID, I paused to reflect on the past two years and what matters.
Looking out at the clouds and sunset with wonder, I was reminded of the big picture of academic life, I let the frustration of two years of life disrupted go, and was reminded that in academe, and in life, that what matters is we do better, our students improve, and we change the world for the better.
I am so excited to meet this fresh batch of ITU-Copenhagen students, learn their stories, and to learn from them. I know they will make me better. And I will take with me new ideas for how to make the world better.
I hope everyone has a good semester’s end, takes a moment to enjoy their students, and takes time to appreciate the communities that we create together.
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