It’s Olympic season around the world these days. All eyes are fastened on those brave, strong, talented athletes who have chosen to pursue this particular path to excellence. I find myself watching events I otherwise have not seen since the last Olympics, as others are, no doubt.
Why do we do that? Is it a need to live vicariously through others? Is it a yearning to shout in jubilation at the perfect slam on the volleyball court or the milliseconds touch ahead of the swimmer in the next lane? Or is it something greater?
These are the finest athletes of our nations, putting themselves on the line of competition. Yes, they all strive to excel and win. But they also acknowledge all of the help they got along the way, the camaraderie forged in team efforts, their desire for their teammates to excel and win as they hope to.
How does this translate to our goals here at CSL? Individuals are tasked with certain and definitive goals. They count on others with greater knowledge and expertise to provide insight, wisdom and advice in areas where they are lacking. They take that information and transform it into useful applications that allow them to progress and excel. Along the way they are demonstrating humility in acknowledging their need for information, a desire to work towards achieving the greater good, their quest for expanded knowledge, and their ability to apply that within the team they work with. Personal goals are enhanced and met. Team goals are realized. Knowledge is imparted and expanded upon. Education is delivered to those willing to take it in and make it meaningful in their quest for the gold.
By empowering each of us – students, staff and faculty, we all can progress and achieve our primary goal – that of delivering a quality education where our graduates are fully prepared to take the bar, get a job in their chosen field, and shine like gold.
Sounds like the glory of the Olympics, doesn’t it?
~ Julie Morris ~
