What do you care about? I find myself asking that question from the podium in classrooms often. I encounter a broad spectrum of students from an amazingly diverse world. We live in communities that are rich, different, and frequently unique. In my experience, Florida is particularly blessed with a variety of students.
I am blessed to have great students who are focused on personal goals. They come with plans for degrees, management roles, and business ownership. Many are forced to take classes ("it's for my major"). Nonetheless, each is in school for a reason, but some of them struggle to find the voice to describe their purpose. I ask them, simply, "What do you care about?"
Life will throw a curve ball or two. Anyone you know who has never seen a crazy pitch is either amnesiac or untruthful. The world is adept and persistent with the unexpected. But if you have an open eye, there can come great things also. A couple of years ago, I penned Starfish (February 2022). It was in the days of still striving to recover post-COVID normalcy, adjusting to change, and wondering about the future. Three events coincided around that post, and I was driven to note them.
What do you care about? Speaking of blog posts, I had a fellow traveler ask me "how many hits do you get?" I don't know. That is not something I care about. In the end, I write these posts for myself as much as anyone else. I am reminiscing, celebrating, and analyzing. I get some grief for that. Too many people see themselves in these notes, which somehow reminds me of Carly Simon. For what it's worth, this ain't no yacht.
In Starfish, I recounted three events. And recently, I was struck by another three.
At the end of the Spring 2024 Semester, a current student dropped me an email. The student waited until the final grades were published, and I am sometimes a bit surprised to hear from someone after all that hoopla is concluded. This note was touching. The student wrote:
"I have a bachelor's and master's degree already"
"I really enjoyed your class."
"The only thing that disappointed me was that I was never able to figure out your politics, which is the way it should be with all instructors so well done."
First, that reminded me all who are studying are not seeking degrees. But, the major impact was that huge compliment. I always have students who hold deeply committed views and perspectives. They are often convinced and unyielding. It is very rewarding to see them consider a different perspective.
I therefore enjoy putting a variety of views in front of these students. They gain from considering different viewpoints and hearing their peers freely express theirs. It is possible to both express ideas and to listen to others respectfully and completely. I am pleased that this semester a student found my approach balanced, informative, and facilitating. I find myself celebratory that this semester, I helped another one.
I had put that behind me and began to bear down on the close of the fiscal year (and all that entails) when I got a social media connection request from a businessperson. The connection message noted that this person was in my business law class in the Fall of 2020. IT brought back memories. In that time, my colleagues were reticent (at best), and I found myself in a small minority that was live in the classroom.
They put me in a ballroom that semester. I had almost 100 students sitting one at each table, spread out for distancing. I will never forget that semester. These students had the option of remote learning, there were multiple sections conducted virtually. But they wanted to be in person. I adjusted to a microphone and lectured while strolling that huge room, and we made it through. To hear from a success story over two years later, to hear of the student's progress and success, that is touching in a way that is difficult to describe.
I had no sooner accepted that request and sent a note back in reply than the U.S. Mail arrived. Yes, these folks still ply the highways and byways carrying messages on dried wood pulp. It burns a lot of time and fossil fuel, but receiving a real note is special. The mail brought me a note that was not only on "paper," but handwritten, heartfelt, and mood-lightening.
It was not sent because of a birthday or other event. It was not sent for any request, need, or reason. It was a simple note to catch up after many months. It was tangible (held it in my hand), engaging (you may find yourself just scanning emails, there are so many), and appreciated. A real letter. The timing, content, and method were appreciated, uplifting, and motivating.
Three avenues of communication. An email, social media, and a letter. Each was positive in reinforcing who and what I am. Each made a particular day better. And each made me reflect on how long it has been since I sent a similar message, a message of reflection, reinforcement, or gratitude.
So, pick something. I could really care less how broad the impact is. But, make it deep. Find a way to deliver on the promise and potential that you possess. Are you making the world a better place? Are you helping one person to achieve more today? Are you delivering more because of someone else?
If not, shame on you. There is something special within every reader of this post. There is value to be delivered. There is benefit to be conveyed. Make a difference. Pick something, and get to work. You can be the answer for someone, and feel pretty good about it in the process.
And, while you are at it, reach out today and communicate with someone who has helped, inspired, or motivated you. The media doesn't matter (though the Post Office route says a lot to us old folks). Even a ten word compliment on a social media post will mean the world to many.