WHERE
WORK
Maybe we should treat work like one would treat a house
that is to be left along for a few days. Air/ Heat turned off, clean dishes and
an empty trash receptacle. I tried to do as much possible before I left,
cleaned the inbox, cleaned out voicemail. Prepped support staff and colleagues,
set the away message. I did find myself checking my email periodically, the
disadvantage to living in a digital world.
LIFE + PLAY
My plan was simple. On my visit to D.C. I would see the
sights, hang with good people and enjoy time off from work. The history in our
nation’s capitol made me think of the many people who have fought for my freedom.
This trip brought up moments to reflect with how far this world has come and
how far it can continue to move forward.
My dear friend, Heather, who was so kind to host was also
able to get me to some local restaurant favorites and insider information. She
asked me what was my favorite part of the trip? After a week to think about
this, I would definitely say seeing the quote that one of my most influential
advisors shared with me many years ago was my favorite part of the trip.
I spent a few
hours in the National Holocaust Museum. This is the quote that was posted on
the wall at the museum exit: "First they came for the socialists, and I
did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade
unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then
they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then,
they came for me, and there was no one left to speak for me" (Martin
Niemoller).
Amy, my advisor was the type of advisor who always
challenged me to develop fully as a student leader in a small Ambassador
program. I still inspire to be as influential to my students as she was to my
cohort of student leaders.
I gained new energy from the D.C. trip. Spending time
with a good friend and seeing the historic sites made the trip worthwhile.
While I could go anywhere around the world and for the most part keep myself
occupied with things to do, having good company can brighten up your soul – or
at least in my case. Maybe it’s because I know the fall is nearing and that a
lot of energy would be needed to keep up with it all. Thank God for summer.
Joshua Wilson
@jjwil325
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