Recognize your True Identity
I heard a great sermon this past weekend that included lessons from the movie series Toy Story. There was some scripture included too, but Toy Story provided the analogy for the sermon. The main thrust of the sermon was to recognize your true identity, which was a problem for the character Forky that had been made out of leftover trash by Bonnie in Toy Story 4. To Bonnie, Forky was a much-loved toy, but to Forky, well he was just some trash.
Listening to the analogy made me think of my colleagues in higher education right now. Life is very different than it was a year ago or even a semester ago. This hasn’t just been a shift in culture we are experiencing, it has been a seismic upheaval. But, I want to remind my colleagues of who you are in this time of change and adaptation.
- You are equipped for this moment. Although it may not seem like it in this time of change, I know that each of you have reached this point in your career through hard work and education. You have the tools you need to be successful in this new reality.
- You have all the help that you need. I have been amazed at how we have all stepped up to provide additional support during this time. This has certainly been true at my campus. Those departments responsible for online learning and technology support have been joined by those with extensive experience to help faculty and staff with little to no experience in an online environment make the transition. I have also seen it on other campuses as well. As a reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, I had a visit this Spring that went virtual. My team heard how supportive the entire campus was to make the transition of all its services to an online format.
- You can do this. You chose this profession. Your great compassion and care for students is a hallmark of who you are. Those qualities have not changed, and students still need you. You are equipped for this moment and you are supported.
Recognize your true identity! You are the lifeline to the students who come to you today and tomorrow. You were made for this moment.
Sheri H. Barrett
