Prepared.

Did you ever walk out of your residence in the morning and forget to grab your PDA from the charging station? What’s your first reaction? My reaction is how fast can I make the turnaround to retrieve it. It’s gotten to the point where I’m not complete without my PDA, and isn’t that tragic? What has happened?

Our expectations for immediate information are slightly skewed these days. We expect to get and receive responses almost immediately. That expectation applies to our students as well. We try very hard to respond promptly. Again, what has happened? I guess we live life in an instant message environment.

TCL’s enrollment grew 65% in the recent six years, which made us the fastest growing Technical College in South Carolina and number 26 of the fastest growing colleges in the nation among community colleges our same size. During those same six years, TCL had no increases in staff positions. The severe budget cuts did not allow us to expand in the same proportions for support staff positions. That simply means that everyone is working harder serving more students – and at the same time – working smarter. Technology helps us accomplish smarter working habits; yet, it’s difficult to provide that instant response that clients demand especially during peak times. We try hard to please, and we’re getting better.

New technology will be added very soon in the form of software upgrades to improve TCL’s voice mail system. The upgrade is needed and should help us collect and coordinate our responses to incoming phone calls, thanks to economic stimulus dollars provided through the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA). We believe this is a wise investment. Still, there are other forms of inquiry that fly at us from every direction, and we are giving it our best to respond.

Technology offers solutions. It also creates new pressures and new expectations. For me, only when there is a device that sounds a warning signal when I leave my house in the morning without my PDA will the technology circle be complete. For now I guess I’ll have to revert to tying the string around my finger. Now there’s another form of technology – the string. Remember when string was the connective device we once tied between tin cans to experiment sound wave communication?

Hope.

On January 12, I had the privilege to attend and participate in the inauguration ceremony of Nikki Haley. One of the speakers who preceded Governor Haley mentioned the State’s motto. When I looked carefully, South Carolina has two mottos on its official state seal: animis opibusque parati and dum spiro spero. Translated, these slogans are “Prepared In Mind and Resources,” and “While I Breathe I Hope.” It was this latter motto that was used in an introductory speech by Senator Glen McConnell, President Pro Tempore.

While I Breathe I Hope. That’s powerful. It’s optimistic and future oriented. It sends a message of a better day ahead. Leaders, many of whom heard these words spoken from the podium in Columbia are optimistic and filled with hope. In a general sense, I truly believe that people are optimistic and we all have a natural inclination toward a bright future. In our present struggles, whatever they may be, we must remain hopeful and focused on a brighter future. I know that’s the position of our Governor, and we need to unite in a spirit of optimistic cooperation to solve our present day challenges and achieve a prosperous future. It can be done, I hope. I really do hope.

On January 17, we pause to recognize the efforts of a great leader, Martin Luther King, Jr. This man was filled with hope. He breathed hope. He said, in one of his famous quotes, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

I hope we all use the day and the season to reflect on hope. Visionary leaders keep focused on a better day, and they are relentless in making sure their hopes and dreams become realized. It’s a good model for all of us. Dedicate your efforts to noble causes that build better and stronger communities for all. Dream big and remain hopeful.

Renewed Optimism.

It has become seemingly trite to reflect on resolutions at this time in our calendar year. The rhetoric abounds with resolution trends, some picking on personal vulnerabilities. While the marketing side of me expects this, every day brings opportunity for new resolve. We’re fortunate to have the advantage of seeing promising opportunities, and I contend the gateway for advancement goes back to the fundamentals – none more essential than a solid educational grounding.

In this coming year, the opportunities to advance are unprecedented. I feel the climate, I see the potential, and I know there will be major gains. In other words, I believe. Yes, I’m optimistic. To me, it’s all about attitude. In this world we have choices. In this country we have the freedom to capitalize on opportunity for real gain.

As a graduate student, I had a wonderful and privileged opportunity to live and study in full-time residence at a land grant institution, and when walking my dog, we would sometimes take a path that took us by the massive livestock research centers and the sheep farm. I took some time to observe sheep. Strange, I know, but there is one observation I found to be interesting. In a group, the watchful and ever mindful sheep seemed to have one eye on each other and the other eye on a distant spot. Therein lies an important example or analogy of watching or protecting each other while looking toward our future. To be sure, we are dependent on each other, and there is comfort or perhaps a mandate to look out for each other, but we cannot dismiss the future. We can gauge our potential by keeping a close watch on each other, but where we’re going is critical, so let’s make sure we’re keenly focused on where we want to go. Although it has built in uncertainly, the future demands our sharp focus.

As we begin the New Year, our hope is high, our spirits are committed, and our resolve is to make a discernable difference through learning and applying the new knowledge, skills and affect intentionally toward building a better community for all. The essence of this is rooted in a “can do” style of optimism as good things will happen in 2011. Believe.

It’s the Holiday Season

I’m a Christmas music junkie, and the moment Thanksgiving ends, I crank up the Christmas tunes. The day “Holly” pops up on XM radio, I begin to phone or text my friends. In my family, we have this silly contest where the winner is the first one to verify that “Holly” has gone live in the XM lineup. In case you wondered, I’m the undefeated reigning champion.

As I write this note, my office is filled with a variety of Christmas tunes. It puts me in a good mood. For those who find this behavior strange, well I guess I’ll go down on record as being strange. It’s just me. The other day a local TV station had a Facebook question that asked listeners to write in and list the holiday song they disliked the most. As for me, I like them all, even that annoying barking dog song.

What is it that puts us in a special good mood or creates the spirit of holiday benevolence in us? Is it inspired by music? Further, why do we behave differently at Christmas? Is it truly the most wonderful time of the year?

I’m somewhat reflective because I’m mindful of the beautiful lyrics that accompany the Christmas tunes. There is a richness in the lyrics that speaks differently to each one of us. Treasure the beautiful music and use the power of the season to refresh and restore joy in your heart and in your deeds.

The Christmas Story, like the music, is rooted in anticipation, hope and belief. I like tradition and I especially like Christmas Eve, when all the retail establishments close, and it’s quiet. The air is calm and fresh, and there is a deeper feeling that gets to the core of life. This is the time that Silent Night takes on real meaning for me, with hundreds of reflective moments of the wonder of the season. It’s an opportunity to reflect and be thankful.

I’m thankful for many things. The ability to serve is a gift, and at this special time of year when the holiday pressures mount, take time to listen and enjoy the unique blessings around us, and know that there can be peace on earth and in our hearts.

Last, here is one more holiday tune. Relax and enjoy TCL’s 2010 Holiday Greeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCipNvIVms


Joy and peace, today and always.

TCL

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?