On October 17th, my work world was upended. After months of work by our leadership team in Student Affairs, our new way of work began to be rolled out. In that new plan, effective January 1, 2018, I will be serving the USD community as the Assistant Dean of Students in the Office of Ethical Development and Restorative Practices. Student conduct, restorative justice and staff training and development will fill my days. And, for the first time in my professional career, I will not be working with Fraternity and Sorority Life.
I am filled with anticipation at what this next chapter will hold. At my house, we call it nervous-cited. I will be working alongside a dear friend and trusted colleague and will still be developing students into their very best selves. That, my friends, is my vocation and calling. I have grieved the loss, prepared for change, considered who moved my cheese, and am ready.
I hope that some that are reading this are former student leaders that have become friends. Through joy and pain, I have grown because of you. Some from my very first year, some that are current students and all of those years in between. Thank you for teaching me through your experience. Many of you I have documented over the years in this blog. The pain of losing a parent, the fear of a relationship ending, the joy of marriages and babies, the happiness of passing the Bar Exam, the realizations of who you really are and knowing that is enough.
Nearly a year ago, I travelled to Boston to accept the Robert H. Shaffer Award from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors. While I don't anticipate attending the Annual Meeting in my future position, I am overwhelmed with the memories of being engaged with such outstanding friends in the work of the fraternal movement. I would not be ready for this new challenge without all that I have learned from all of my colleagues over so many years. In preparing to write this post, I listened to my acceptance speech again. While a new speaking career has not emerged for me, I am mindful that we are not in a much better place today than we were a year ago. I continue to work toward change and fighting injustice. And, am thankful to have so many around me that are working alongside me. There is much to do, Friends. Much. Persist.As my final post to Fraternal Ideas on The Hill comes to an end, I want to share what a wonderful ride it has been. It's Closing Time. And, time for a new beginning.
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