A student in one of my FYE courses came up to me after I had
written the last
"Words of the Day" on the board. "Who around here are the people you most
admire?" he
asked.
I turned to him. "You know, I used to admire people who were
famous, who had
a sizeable reputation, who were in positions of authority, who were artistic,
who were
clever and witty. Man, for so many years I wanted to be like them. But, now,
I admire
especially our FYE teachers--to the person. ."
"Why?' he asked.
"They, of all the academics on campus, care and are kind the most.
"
"So?"
"Have you seen on your FYE teachers, really seen them? I have, and
on other
campuses as well. For a variety of reasons, most professors really don't like
to deal
with you first year students. Well, They're teachers who have a special
dedication and
commitment to your achievement. They believe in you the most; they have hope
for you the
most. But, most important, they have a special affection for each of you; they
get so
excited about you, sing in the halls, and dance on their desks. They see you
people; they
see you as worthy purposes as you can find."
I went on to tell Sean that you can't be kind and caring while
being an egoist
at the same time; you can't be selfless and selfish at the same time; you can't
have a big
heart if you have a big ego. Kindness is a welcoming embrace. Kindness has a
healing
power. It's a heart softener. It clears and refreshes the air. Sometimes,
just being
kind, just saying that kind word or making that kind gesture is all that's
needed.
Tenderness is a heck of a lot more important than toughness, and service is a
greater
remedy than self-centeredness. Some academics who are into their heads or their
disciplines, but not really into people, may shake their heads and others may
laugh, but
we underestimate the healing power of kindness, sincere compassion, concern,
empathy, and
love.
"Your FYE teachers are alchemists with a greater capability of
transforming
every one around them than most on campus because they are in the habit of
consciously and
unconditionally thinking, feeling, and pronouncing the words 'I love you.'"
Make it a good day.
--Louis--
Louis Schmier www.therandomthoughts.com
Department of History www.newforums.com/L_Schmier.htm
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, Georgia 31698 /\ /\ /\ /\
(229-333-5947) /^\\/ \/ \ /\/\____/\ \/\
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mountains \ /\
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hills" -/
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