Excitement Builds

There are special events happening at TCL, among them, registration is now open for the spring semester. It’s exciting to prepare to begin another academic semester. We are always eager to welcome new students to the TCL family as we continue to serve current students.

Registration is a time when I see the excitement building. The other day, as part of a report, I counted the major initiatives on which our leaders are working, and I counted 17. They are diverse. They are all important. Any single initiative could define TCL and our sponsor counties long into the future. I get excited about progress including those initiatives where there is physical evidence as some renovation projects begin.

At this stage in the life of TCL, I can safely proclaim that we turned a corner and we’re making major strides toward substantial changes. We’re having fun – and it’s great to be busy. We are fulfilling our mission with dedicated initiatives that have an impact through the jobs that skilled students fill as they graduate from the College. That’s how it works. Students arrive. Students learn new skills and they graduate with a new knowledge base that fulfills workforce needs in our community. It all begins with that time of registration and class selection. Dozens of people are involved, and I’m honored to work with a dedicated team who places students first.

In this season of thanksgiving, I’m grateful to my colleagues and our students who give us life in our academic setting. Frankly, it’s our students who provide us the opportunity to get excited about what we do. Thanks to all for helping shape TCL and for giving us the opportunity to offer our curricula as the necessary ingredient that allows change to occur.

Extreme Sacrifice

November has importance on several fronts. We all quickly recognize the season as one that unites families for a secular celebration of thanksgiving. There is another occasion that we need to celebrate, also with a thankful heart. The specific date for this occasion is on November 11. The event is Veterans Day. Our friends in Canada call this day Remembrance Day.

Locally, we are reminded of the importance of the United States Marine Corps and its 234th birthday. There are many veterans in our community and beyond who sacrificed and still sacrifice to make sure we remain free.

Sacrifice occurs in many forms. We need to recognize what sacrifice means. I’m reminded particularly of the investment perspective that comes through sacrifice. Students, especially those who are more traditional in age, can benefit from studying the sociological implications of sacrifice. Some may call it a benefit of delayed gratification.

In our classrooms, faculty sacrifice. They dedicate their souls to encourage learning. Students benefit, and many delay personal gain in the short run for the opportunity to obtain future gains. So, with grateful hearts, let’s take this season to genuinely recognize and thank those who sacrifice for others as we hold tightly to the American value of freedom, including academic freedom, which inspires learning and preserves freedom that comes through serving our country to defend and protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.