Saying Yes to Opportunity

Many times we are “called” to respond to requests that are outside of our zones of comfort. It’s not always easy to respond with engaged enthusiasm; however, when we avoid instances that extend us, our inner peace wins, and we regress to passive involvement. That’s easy and unfortunately too common.

This week I have the fortuitous opportunity to meet TCL’s new cadre of Student Ambassadors, a group of 10 students who were selected to the honorable post based on their academic success and their willingness to serve their fellow students as visible advocates for TCL and its vision and mission. When I meet with them, I’m prepared to challenge them to make a difference and, in short, consider a YES mentality: saying yes to sacrifice, to temptation, to complacency, and in general saying yes to service. Saying yes is positive. Saying yes is convicting. Saying yes, with full intention to deliver, is what produces results. Too many times I see people form the rejection position before adequately considering the benefits.

Students and faculty are the lifeblood of TCL. The classroom, dynamic with ample learning opportunities, is special. I guarantee there are life changing interactions happening in our classrooms/laboratories every day that encourage the YES posture. It is powerful and it is where change begins. Let’s strive to get that exchange outside of our classrooms where real change happens. It requires a shift from laboratory simulation to practice in the field or profession.

Saying yes to opportunity opens paths that challenge and make us stronger. It allows us to step into situations where we make new friends, face new challenges and display leadership that shows willingness. Give me a willing individual any day over a stubborn mind set. A willing nature is what exists in our students, and then one day, that willingness gets the fuse lit. When that fuse is lit, it won’t be long before the explosion happens. Stand back. Let’s always encourage and reward a willing attitude to say yes to opportunity, for the benefit of embracing the unknown and for the hope of making a difference.

There is a sense of magic in the air. Good things abound.

I am grateful and encouraged through educational partners in the community. This week, one of our local school superintendents, Dr. Valerie Truesdale and two of her top administrators, Dr. Sean Alford and Dr. Catherine Smith, presented a unique concept to two leadership bodies and won unanimous endorsement to move forward in their planning. On the TCL side, Dr. Gina Mounfield contributed to this bold plan. All deserve gold stars for their hard work.

Visionary leaders stepped up to endorse a concept that has core subjects at its foundation, and it takes a shot at blending high school and college instruction into an initiative that holds unique promise to participants. It involves lots of details, so I don’t want to go too deep right now. Instead, my point is to acknowledge the champions who care so much that they get involved in leadership initiatives through board service. My heartfelt appreciation goes to volunteers who serve on the TCL Commission, led by Chairman Angus Cotton and the Beaufort County School Board, led by Chairman Fred Washington.

When good things happen in our schools, both secondary and postsecondary, it is because of the efforts of people who are smart and who care greatly about their communities.

I sat and watched people process a concept called the Whale Branch Early College High School. I watched and observed how dedicated officials, some appointed (TCL) and some elected (Beaufort County), helped shape and endorse a concept that is unique. I asked myself, why do these people care so much? The answer is about leading and sacrificing. They sacrifice their personal resources, including countless hours of time, so that our students have opportunities and our community is uplifted to a higher level of regard through education.

The value of an education is not always dissected the way it ought to be. Nor is the element of sacrificial leadership, the kind that I saw firsthand this week.

My highest commendation goes to the servant leaders of boards of education for their sacrifice and their commitment to building a better community through education. We all need to recognize the commitment it takes to unselfishly serve so that others have a chance of making it as we transform our communities and the Lowcountry region. Yes, it’s indeed magical. Good things abound.

Enrollment Soars

After the first week of classes, TCL’s enrollment is at an all time high. We exceeded last year’s full time credit enrollment by 25%. That is nothing short of amazing.

Did you know that college graduates earn about 30 to 40% more than high school graduates? Imagine what that means to the college graduate over a lifetime. At an average salary of $30,000, that amounts to well over a quarter of a million dollars. Education is indeed an investment. For many, that smart investment begins at TCL.

This year more than ever, we are placing an emphasis on student services and retention to encourage each student to finish their program of study and graduate. The curriculum planning function is intentional, and the instruction at all levels has relevance toward advancing our community toward new levels of acclaim.

TCL has a magical appeal, and it’s getting better. Our pledge is a new level of customer service and accommodating innovation that is changing the way we operate and deliver results, thus fulfilling our role in building a stronger, more educated and vibrant community. Experience our magic. Contact me if there is anything TCL can do for you.

TCL is your college. It is an investment in the region’s future.