Give thanks.

This is the time of the year when we intentionally take time to acknowledge the many “things” we have, or perhaps more appropriately, the “gifts” entrusted to us. In taking the quick thanksgiving inventory our minds quickly go toward our family, friends and associates who are important to us. I often say to co-workers family comes first, and it does. I’m speaking here of our biological families, but I want us to extend that definition to include our broader sphere of influence, including everyone we encounter in our daily routines. Relatively speaking, it’s those with whom we contact daily that become part of our extended family, somewhat by default. It’s not difficult to feel close or connect to individuals especially in these times when the world is revealed and filtered through the vast forms of available media.

I’m enormously grateful for our students and my talented teammates who are committed to serve, each in her or his important way. We are truly blessed and humbled by the advantage we have as citizens in a free country. We have many to thank for this true blessing.

Let’s permit this season and the mindset of thanksgiving to guide our thoughts and actions in the days, weeks and months ahead. I’m convinced, it’s the attitude of gratitude that will provide the incentive to influence and ignite change. It is so true. Gratitude changes attitude.

Develop a thankful heart. Tell people you appreciate them, and develop the benevolent attitude that reflects kindness through specific acts. Do it often, in other words, extend the Thanksgiving season so that every day becomes a day of reflective and interactive gratitude. What you might discover is the thankful heart becomes the basis for a new leadership platform that reaches back to the important values we all extol and extends the family metaphor to new networks of acquaintances who manifest as true friends. What I see emerging is a broader level of leadership, one the literature terms inclusive leadership where we value the contributions of an extended family with respect and honest appreciation. The family value of feeling safe and trusted should allow an individual to move more rapidly toward fulfilling organizational objectives with a given level of confidence. The results will be extraordinary. Try it.

There are infinite reasons to be thankful each day. Give thanks. It’s a perfect fit gift, now more than ever.

Why study Latin?

Now there’s an academic debate for the ages. How many of us studied Latin? How many of us HAD TO study Latin? How many students today study Latin? What would it be like if students studied Latin? Research has shown that secondary students who study Latin score higher on their SAT’s. Specifically, Latin improved English comprehension scores and it was shown to sharpen language skills in general.

Let’s have fun with this, and let me suggest that we are somewhat familiar with Latin by our common use of phrases, abbreviations and mottos. Law and medicine are full of Latin phrases, expression and abbreviations. Here are some abbreviations you probably know.

A.D. (anno domini) – in the year of the Lord
A.M. (ante meridiem) – before midday
Etc. (et cetera) – and the rest, and so forth
Lb. (libra) – pound
Rx (recipe) – take

Here are several common Latin phrases:

In absentia – in one’s absence
Semper fidelis – always faithful
Mea culpa – through my fault
Summa cum laude – with highest honor
E plaribus unum – out of many, one.
Carpe Diem – seize the day

Latin phrases or mottos are often used as a guiding principle of a particular group or organization. They are commonly used by academic institutions. Consider these.

Mens et manus – Mind and hand (M.I.T.)
Magnus est veritas – Great is the truth (U. of Miami)
Veritas et virtus – Truth and Virtue (U. of Pittsburgh)
Ut Prosim – That I may serve (Virginia Tech)

(I’m particularly fond of one of these from my
“alma mater” – kind mother)

I believe each motto coveys an element of prestige, an element of scholarly awareness. I find them interesting. Why do we use Latin phrases? Should we just say what we mean?
Why don’t we have a Latin motto for TCL?

Latin takes a slogan or motto and transforms it to make it sound important or meaningful. It’s not really catchy, but rather classy. Is there a prestige value in a slogan if it is stated in Latin?

TCL’s slogan (not moto) is The wave of the future. We don’t use a Latin translation. Should we?

The power or force of a wave and the cleansing opportunities it holds for our future. Perhaps we don’t need a Latin phrase. Or do we?

Culture and language are important. Over time, Latin remained unchanged. It is the root language. Perhaps that is why we need to study it, appreciate it, and marvel in its values.

If you care to explore this topic further, consider this link:
http://www.yuni.com/library/latin.html

P.S. (post scriptum) – written after. Ipsa scientia potestas est. Check it out.

(To TCL’s Presidential Ambassadors, thanks for letting me know you read my blog. Excelsior.)

TCL

Do you really know?

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle

You know … fall is a wonderful time of year when the sport of the season involving teams everywhere at all levels compete on the gridiron. Of course I’m speaking of football.

It’s the post game interview that bugs the life out of me. Here’s what I want you to do. The next time a player or coach is interviewed, count the number of times they use the expression “you know.” Guaranteed, it’s distracting.
In a recent 90 second interview following a game, I counted 21 “you knows.”

My point: I don’t know. That’s why I’m listening. That’s the purpose of an interview – to gain added insight. I surely want to know, and I want you to tell me. Please don’t assume I know.

Perhaps I’m being silly, and giving you some insight into one of my pet peeves. Our language is filled with rich opportunities to express oneself. In college, our athletes are students first, followed by their extracurricular investments of time in activities or sports. I know it’s a habit to say “I know,” a very bad and annoying habit. So, let’s break it.

When you know something, then tell me in explicit terms. Then I will know too. I will listen because I too want to learn from your knowledge. Please don’t assume I know, because I probably don’t.

Here’s what I know. I know TCL staff and faculty are serving students in record numbers, and I know we’re making a valuable impact in our community. I know we can make a difference with a planned credit curriculum in a variety of skill areas (some requiring a speech course) or through a customized non-credit course designed to meet immediate learning needs. Did you know that?

It’s All About Jobs.

In a recent speech, President Obama claimed that education is the economic issue of our time. He’s right. We need to rally behind educational opportunities at all levels and take an investment perspective.

In June, the Center on Education and the Workforce at George Mason University, under the talented work of Tony Carnaville, said the U.S. is on a collision course with the future since far too few Americans complete college. The report went on to say that by 2018, the economy will have jobs for 22 million new workers with college degrees, but based on current projections, there will be:
a. a shortage of 3 million workers for jobs needed by individuals who have some postsecondary degree (associate or higher) and,
b. a shortage of 4.7 million workers for jobs that require a postsecondary certificate.

TCL is starting another academic year with record enrollments. There are people for jobs, and we need to make sure there are jobs for people. Many dedicated people in our local communities are behind the economic development movement. I believe the economy will recover. The Lowcountry, with all its appeal, is the place that will grow, and as it does, count on TCL, through the learning channels and academic programs we maintain, to prepare the people with marketable skills for jobs. I’m thankful for an engaged faculty and staff. Together, we’ll survive the downturn and move into more prosperous times. There is a very bright future ahead, and now is the time to prepare for it. Our students are here in full force leading us on this journey with inquisitive minds to shape. I’m also grateful for their optimistic attitude and investment in their future for the jobs that await them.

On your mark, get set.

The semester is off to a grand start. Enrollment, once again, looks strong. This is a very exciting time of year for everyone at TCL, beginning in the Admissions Office, continuing through the College Bookstore, and culminating in the sidewalks, hallways and the paths that lead to the classroom.

On the day before start of the fall semester, I watched about two dozen student posts on the TCL Facebook landing page, and I was thrilled to see how each student expressed her or his excitement about the start of the academic year. Comments like, “bring it on,” and “I can’t wait to get started” seem to capture the spirit. I believe faculty is equally excited to welcome students to their classrooms and labs. Some have posted Facebook comments expressing their excitement.

The energy at TCL is alive and there is definitely an uplifting feeling to the start of the semester, full of anticipation and full of hope. As a college community we embrace learning and the pathway beyond the classroom, lab or clinical setting that leads to a job or advanced higher education. We are thrilled to observe student success in many forms, which ultimately changes the economic landscape of our communities. As President Obama recently said, “education is the economic issue of our time.”

Go. Get started. Enjoy the benefits of learning. I hope to see every single student at Commencement when we celebrate new options for pathways that hold infinite reward.

Take your time. Study hard.

Instant Gratification. That’s what we want. In general terms, we have become an impatient society. We want answers, we want solutions, and we want them now. We operate in soundbites and we look for short cuts, to conversations, to directions, and we’re always wanting the bottom line. Just the facts.

I like results as much as the next person; however, I’m disciplined. I don’t jump to the end of the book (anymore) to learn the ending. I don’t like people telling me how movies end. I like to wait until the official results are reported in an election. I respect process.

This is the wonderful time of year when we officially welcome new students to the campus. In my orientation remarks to new students, I will focus on process, and let them know that the process of earning a credential is a time honored tradition. There is a time commitment established for a reason.

Recently, there are pushes to have this process occur more rapidly. I fear the push may impede the learning process. Learning takes time. It involves reflection. It involves thought. It involves patience. Learning a new subject or skill takes disciplined attention. In fairness, it does not need to be rushed.

Too often I see students who become impatient with process and they tend not to give it a chance. This year, I plan to encourage students to allow time to study and to ponder the fine points of academic investment. The classroom is a sacred place where one is free to learn and think. It is fun and exciting. It is an escape from the pressures of the world, and it needs to be preserved as such. The message is a good one for everyone. Allow ample time to process and think.

So, for students, it’s a class at a time, on a day at a time, by completing an assignment or a project at a time -- all adding up to the earning of a credential. The process is designed to take time. And to our students, for each hour you spend in class, your instructor expects that you will spend two hours outside of class reviewing, prepping, writing, reading and, yes, thinking. Take time to think. Take time to reflect. Eliminate distractions and concentrate. Learning is a process that takes time. Your days in College are precious, so enjoy every second. Get to know your faculty and fellow students in your new community of learners. Set the goal to complete your program and earn your degree or certificate. Good things come to those who persist.

Learning Partnerships

On July 23 the Beaufort County School Board celebrates the opening of the new Whale Branch High School, officially called the Whale Branch “Early College” High School. It’s the early college part that begs my attention.

In its conception, Superintendent Dr. Valerie Truesdale had the vision to make this new high school different by offering its students an opportunity to participate in an on-site Dual Enrollment educational program. The dual track allows students to earn both high school and college credentials at the same time. It’s definitely made a huge splash in the community and substantially lifted the awareness of this efficient combination of learning alternatives.

High school students must qualify for college admission to take college-level classes. It has huge benefits. Consider this success story.

This past May, twins Gary and Trenicia Wilson received their Associate in Arts degrees from TCL at the same time they received their diplomas from Bluffton High School, thanks to Dual Enrollment. Because of this accomplishment, Gary and Trenicia will enjoy advanced placement as they begin Howard University in the fall where they’ll be working to earn their pharmacy degrees.

The Whale Branch Early College High School could be a very important model for other school districts in the Lowcountry. We’re eager to get involved.

With the cutting of the ribbon, we celebrate learning and we celebrate partnerships with friends and with students. We do this with a mindset of appreciation to leaders who make a difference, including the TCL Area Commission, The Beaufort County School Board, and Dr. Truesdale.

Additionally, on the TCL side, Dr. Gina Mounfield gave specific attention and direction to the initiative along with Dr. Sean Alford from the Beaufort County School District. We are grateful to the work of many, and we’re honored to be a learning partner. We’re excited about this and we stand united behind Principal Priscilla Drake with our best wishes for long-term success in changing lives through education.