Mistaken Opportunity

My oldest child, Bob, is currently teaching English in Thailand. His computer broke and an American friend, living in Thailand, brought it back to the states earlier this summer while on vacation. The other day I tried texting and calling Shannon to let her know that I wanted her to take back Bob’s fixed computer upon her return to Bangkok this week. I needed to make arrangements to get the computer to her, etc.

Unbeknownst to me, I had texted and called another Shannon from my contacts list. Imagine my surprise when alumna Shannon Lynch, class of 2013, returned my call. I had not spoken to her or seen her in quite a while. It was so good to hear her voice and learn that she is doing quite well in Seattle, Washington. I felt so happy to have made the reconnection. Wow, how lucky am I to have encountered so many awesome students at LC such as Shannon. The contact mistake made my day!

Shannon, like many students I have known over the years, made an impact at LC and in my life. Besides being a BioMed major, Bonner leader, and a good friend, she was involved with the Catholic Community and spiritual life on campus. We shared our love of Jesus, our Catholic faith, and the need for social justice in our world. Shannon inspired me with her compassion, empathy, and strength to follow her heart and what was/is important to her to change the world. I was never like her at that age?! Wow.

There are so many “Shannons” who we all have been blessed to know. With each passing year a crop of new students graces our campus while graduating students who have matured move on to face new “fields.” We continue to plant, seed, prune, water, give light, and nurture each student. While we all know the joys and challenges each day can bring, the relationships we create seem to make it all worthwhile. It’s a give and take, ebb and flow kind of dynamic that seems to work so well.

Students, be open to invitations of conversation, cultural exchanges, debate, and possible friendships. They will last beyond the four years you are at LC. And as faculty and staff prepare to welcome new and returning students to campus, I propose that we do this: Take time to get to know some new students, follow up with some returning students and rekindle a relationship with an alumnus or alumna. I only have to turn to Facebook to see all my “babies” grown up working, married, parents and contributors in their communities. So many students have touched my life, humbled me beyond words, given meaning to my ministry while having blessed our school family in so many ways. I hope that you will find and thank your “Shannons” today even if you text the wrong person!!

Blessings, Kaky