I am not even supposed to be here.
It’s not a matter of Western being my first choice, or even my last choice, it’s that Western was never even a choice. My career was set, and it didn’t include this university – or even Canada, for that matter.
Oh, as they say, the places you will go.
Recently, I spoke with Robert Collins, Alumni Association president, in preparation for Founder’s Day 2013 (See Page 6 for that interview.). During the course of our discussion, Collins talked about the transition from student to alumni, and where his organization comes into play.
“Most students I chat with are finding themselves at Western, and that ‘finding themselves’ is what they hold on to,” Collins said. “So, from an alumni association perspective, our job is to build on that warm feeling, that pride they have in graduating from this institution.”
Those words turned my thoughts to my personal journey to Western. Do I really have a ‘warm feeling’ associated with the university? You know, when I am not waiting in a seemingly endless line or trying to find a parking spot, I think I do.
Now, I realize this is cheesy. But if you can’t be cheesy on Founder’s Day, then when can you be?
Admittedly, in the lead up to Founder’s Day, I haven’t spent much time thinking about Bishop Isaac Hellmuth, our esteemed founder, in whose name we celebrate. But keep in mind that kids don’t wear Abner Doubleday baseball jerseys; they wear the ones of their favourite players. In that same spirit, I tip my hat to Isaac as the founder, but celebrate those who got me here today.
Coming to Western was my best idea ever. Or my wife’s best idea ever. I cannot remember who suggested quitting our jobs, packing up our lives and moving. I know if it didn’t work out, one of us would remember who made the decision more clearly.
This week, I thought of the people who first got me here a little over three years ago – a wife who preferred a happy husband to a working one; new classmates who made each day enjoyable; and, even at 41 today, it’s still nice to have supportive parents. I thought of the people who helped me along – the staff and professors in my first program who I grew to know, and some of whom I now call friends. They opened me to a world of opportunities, and put up with the idiosyncrasies of a guy who hadn’t been in the classroom in some time.
This week, I also thought about those who reached out to me after graduation, hired me and kept me in this city and at this wonderful institution. I thought about the colleagues who mentor and entertain me to this day. I thought of those who I continue to ask questions – born equal parts out of my curiosity and ignorance – of to this day. I thought about the commitment to lifelong learning they have provided me, and the opportunity to grow in my job and education.
It’s difficult to convey the twists and turns of life to current students, many of whom have their lives planned out – at least to the best of their limited knowledge. They don’t yet consider unexpected successes and failures, wrong turns which somehow set you on the right direction or right turns that end up being dead ends.
But why spoil them the fun. It’s the journey that makes things interesting.
Today, I am a proud member of the staff, student body and alumni. And I never saw it coming.
So on this Founder’s Day, I will wear my purple and celebrate with colleagues, but I also will make a point to take a moment and say thanks to all those who have made – and continue to make – my Western Experience a wonderful one. For me, that is cause for celebration, and at the root of the spirit of this day.
Happy Founder’s Day to all.