Learning and growing

I have just returned from my annual MPACE conference. This was a great time to learn new techniques for connecting our career services to student needs, enjoying fun times with amazing colleague's and enjoying the in between moments as a gift of time to regroup and gather strength for the coming storm.

What storm might that be you may ask...well, unless you have been living in a cave, you know we are experiencing one of the worst economic negative shifts in a lifetime. Yet, despite the gloom and doom, I cannot help but feel that this is a time for personal and professional assessment and review. It is moments like this where greatness reveals itself. You very well may be that greatness.

What is greatness then...maybe it is simply the ability to see things with a different eye than everyone around you. It may be the simple ability to avoid panic and to use the swirling emotions of this time in history to the benefit of yourself and others. Greatness is often the eye of the storm.

Seek support, build your connections, read the tea leaves, trust your gut, manage the manageable and do your best with the rest. In many ways you can envision this as a rising wave that may be more fun to ride (despite the fear) than to just sit and watch from the "safety" of the shore.

In short, do the work, take the time, speak your truth, know your goals, remain ethical, fight for your values, be true to friends, be professional, be respectful of those deserving respect, challenge lies and hidden meanings, ask for what you need, do your homework, read a book, watch less TV, take a long walk, listen to your soul, take responsibility, stop saying "I didn't know" if you should have known...again, do the work!