Someone asked me today what kind of things I do at the university. For a moment I had to think. What do I do at the university? I can name many, many things I accomplish each day. I can also catalog how I spend my day and tell you how many hours a week I am involved in university related things, but that does not answer the question. What kind of things do I do at the university?
I encourage creativity. I nurture minds. I guide faith formation. I serve as a cartographer as students and university colleagues wonder how things have happened or how to change paths. I coach answers and assist in designing action plans for change. I listen. I believe in and hope in when others are unable. I am relentless in empowering others to reach their potential. I stand alongside and weep with others. I comfort the brokenhearted and help others discover their next season. I cheer for others. I equip students and staff. I dissect hard things and make meaning in chaos. I cherish small steps and call out greatness in others. I lead, collaborate, design, and create with some incredible humans and brilliant minds. I craft vision and share leadership visions. I hold secrets safe and keep what is unnecessary so others can be free. I teach. I advise and help students navigate what they imagine their contribution to the world to be and then help them count the cost. I journey with individuals as they explore their purpose, their why. I stand alongside as individuals wrestle with hard questions. I advocate and chase after justice and equity. I model resilience not as a master arrogant in having achieved a prize, but as a companion inviting others to join me in a great adventure. I stand unapologetically as a beacon of hope, conduit of love, and icon of grace. What do I do at the university? I live life fully, unapologetically, and out loud knowing deep inside of me that life is a precious and wonderful gift.
Today is the Marine Corps birthday and tomorrow is Veterans Day. I grew up on military installations both stateside and overseas. My father became a Marine at seventeen and he retired at the age of fifty after two tours in Viet Nam and countless years of serving our country on military installations around the world. His medals record his service and bear witness to a life of bravery, sacrifice, and service to his country. My mom entered the embassy corps at eighteen, and when my parents met at the US Embassy in Frankfurt, Germany she was the ambassador’s executive secretary. My mom continued to serve her country as a military spouse, often serving as both parents while my dad was gone. In their lives and in their service, my parents raised my siblings and me to understand that life is a precious gift. I am very aware, especially at this time of the year, that I am able to live my life fully, unapologetically, and out loud because others gave their all to make sure I have this freedom.
Today I invite you to wish a Marine “Happy Birthday!” Tomorrow, thank a veteran for their service and their sacrifice. While offering thanks is important, please don’t just say the words. Live your life fully, unapologetically, and out loud. In doing that we honor those who gave their all, often at a heavy price, and acknowledge that life is a precious gift.
The poet Mary Oliver asks her readers, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” My response is simple. I plan to live my wild and precious life, gratefully and with a thankful heart. Won’t you join me?
-Katrina