As we enter the Thanksgiving season, I am reminded of the act of being grateful. In the busyness of all that we do daily to support our students, maintain programming, respond to crises, support student leadership, and develop links with our community, we must find time to reflect on the good. Especially the good that emerges from those activities. It is easy to witness this good at the commencement ceremony, as this event presents a tangible product of our labors in higher education. Yet, in the day-to-day, we are oftentimes engaged in activities that are productive but may become rote. Daily, I challenge myself to stop and reflect on the good around me, the people whom I am privileged to work with, and the students that I engage with who bring meaning to my career. People are the value added, people bring meaning to our work and to the spaces we create and interact in, and ultimately, people are the reason we do what we do. Therefore, in this season of gratitude, I encourage you to take a few minutes each day and reflect on what and whom you feel gratitude for. Join us on campus, at the Albizu Cafeteria, and post on the Wall of Gratitude what you are grateful for this season.
As we gear up to culminate our fall semester, keep strong and let our offices know what you need.
Here to Serve you,
Dr. Floralba Arbelo
Dean of Student Affairs
