10/21/2024
My colleagues sometimes express feeling disconnected from university life, especially with all the changes post-pandemic, the unpredictable decisions from senior administrators, and the growing shift toward distance learning. It's a challenge we all feel, and I share in the frustration that comes with these rapid changes. The sense of community that once came more naturally now often feels strained. Many of us struggle to find our place in a university that looks very different from what it was just a few years ago.
Yet despite these challenges, I’ve come to realize that there are still ways to stay connected and make meaningful contributions to the Carleton University Community.
One of the most fulfilling experiences of my 20 years here has been helping build the Carleton Ravens baseball club. Seeing the joy on our student-athletes' faces and sharing in their victories has been just as rewarding as guiding a graduate student through their research journey or witnessing the moment when an undergraduate finally grasps a complex concept.
There’s something uniquely special about watching students grow, not just academically but also personally, both in the classroom and on the field. Whether it’s the confidence they build, the lifelong friendships they forge, or the lessons they learn through teamwork and perseverance, I think it’s all part of a larger educational experience.
I have been reminded that education extends far beyond the traditional classroom—sometimes the most valuable lessons are learned in the lab, on a police 'ride-along,' mining data, or... even over a shared celebration after a hard-fought victory. University life is multifaceted, and service can take many forms. Find your way to get involved—you might be surprised at the impact you can have.
