They were, as always, enjoyable to chat with and our conversations varied from simply catching up to encouragement to pursue a graduate degree to becoming more aware of who I am and where God is leading me, spiritually, vocationally, and as a social and humanitarian entrepreneur. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed each of these individuals and all for different reasons. They are all intelligent with a medley of degrees, perspectives, and life experiences and I respect them all individually and collectively, as well. Their dedication to expand the horizons of Belmont’s student body is obvious, as well as their passions to live and use their individualized “skill sets” to the best of their abilities is what Ken both verbalized and personifies in his daily life, not only as an educator, but as a driven community-focused individual.
After leaving Ken’s office (my last on-campus stop), I intentionally reminded myself of the words of wisdom that each staff and faculty member pressed upon me, like a stamp to a paper and while it was Ken who sternly, but gently, admonished me to do a few less projects but at the best of my ability, to focus on what possesses “quality” with “sustaining” and “lasting” results. He does this with his classes as well as his involvement with the YMCA and other non-profits. I will strive to do the same. I do not want to be so spead thin that I am not using the skill sets that I have to the greatest extent possible. It was a good reminder to find a focus and to not lose track of it once it is gained and to strive for greatness–two things that I battle with on a daily basis. As I work here in the Nashville for just one more month, I will strive to find a balance between these two and then after that, in New Zealand with my team, and then…?
