As spring courses are getting underway, there is a recognition and optimism that this year will be different from the previous two—the primary driver of this, of course, being the COVID-19 pandemic. That singular circumstance has changed so much about the way we live and work in recent years that our previous way of life often feels like a relic of some other civilization. Yet, as unfortunate as this time has been, it has presented us with an opportunity, born out of necessity, to re-imagine the way we do things. In adapting to these challenging times, we have learned, at least, three things—simple facts, but momentous truths when fully embraced:

Truth 1: How it was does not determine how it will be.

As is often the case, making changes sometimes requires a circumstance that forces us out of our comfort zone, and there certainly hasn’t been much comfortable about these last few years. Yet, we have all learned that simply because we have always done things a certain way does not mean it is the only way to do them. Just a few years ago, had I been told our entire staff would work from home and all of our courses would be online, I would have said, “Impossible.” Yet, that is exactly what we did—what millions of us did around the world. Working from home and collaborating over Zoom are simple examples that illustrate a larger truth: You can make a change. It is within your power to examine what no longer is working for you or is no longer moving you toward your goal, and simply do something different. And, you may find that different is, in fact, better.

Truth 2: You are capable.

Whatever that challenge is that has seemed too daunting to undertake, you are capable. While some circumstances are beyond our control, many are within our ability to change. When we find the will to take hold of those things, we find the power to create change for ourselves and for the world. Collectively, we have seen how our actions, or lack thereof, can make significant impacts. You have within you the ability to control and shape your future. Regardless of any outside circumstance, your action or inaction today is determining your tomorrow.

Truth 3: You don’t have to do it alone.

We often hear the phrase “lift yourself up by your bootstraps'' in terms of achieving success on your own, but the origin of the phrase was actually used to describe an impossible task. To paraphrase, it is impossible to cross over a wall by pulling on your own bootstraps. No success is ever the result of a single person's accomplishments. Every achievement is the culmination of a multitude of others’ investments, either directly or indirectly. Parents, teachers, co-workers, teammates, spouses, friends—monumental moments are built together. If you have a goal, the Glasscock School is here to help. Whether that goal is changing or advancing in a career, becoming part of a community of like-minded peers, pursuing a degree, learning a new language or any number of admirable, worthwhile achievements, we exist to help you get there. Set your eyes forward, and we’ll grab the bootstraps.

This spring, it is my sincere hope that these truths, planted within each of us these past few years, will begin to bear fruit. As such, I urge you to take action, because inaction leads to complacency and this paralyzing thought: “This is how it has always been and always will be.” We mustn’t let that weed take root. Instead, let us embrace these three truths and begin taking action to shape our futures into the life we always wanted. Find your passion. Find your purpose. Find your people. Let us learn more, so that we might achieve more—for our city, for our families, and for ourselves. Let us be bold.

Robert G. Bruce, Dean
Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies