It is at this time of year that I have some much needed down time. I use that time to recharge and to reflect. What were last year’s lessons? What will the coming year bring? What are my goals for next 12 months?
As I reflect on the year past, it strikes me that it was a year that established a comfort level for me and probably also for my wife Carol. We were in our second year in Texas and became more accustomed to the pace of life in the Republic. Things are different here. People are almost uniformly conservative, which is fine for us. There is a moratorium on political correctness that I find refreshing. It is OK to say Merry Christmas here…and Happy New Year. In fact, Texans get a little pissed at businesses that say “Happy Holidays.”
I also have become more comfortable in my role with the college. Western Texas College is a wonderful place to go to work. I am surrounded by loyal and talented people…..a dream come true for any chief executive. For my part, I have my own unique style of leadership that seems to fit well in the environment. I am not a micro-manager. In fact, I like to let people who report to me do their work without hanging over their shoulder. While I try to guard against complacency, I am usually working hard at becoming the “anti-president”…..meaning I try to make sure people understand I am not a prima donna who expects special treatment and that I want desperately to be approachable by folks in the community and by employees of the college.
Carol also found her footing this year. She has grown in her profession as an occupational therapist and maintained a rather large case load. She is literally all over West Texas to do her job. Together we have learned to enjoy our time together and savor our trips together around the state.
To summarize---we have both achieved many of our professional goals----but we are still trying to grow and adapt to the special situations that crop up daily for us in our careers.
I know what will become one of the great challenges of 2010 for me. It will be the loss of Alex in Texas. He’s the baby and I have relished having him here and attending WTC. He will leave at mid-year to pursue his bachelor’s degree in St. Louis. And I will be greatly saddened by that empty nest feeling as he leaves.
Professionally, the shrinking state budget will mean hard decisions. I’m ready for them…but only after a few weeks off at the end of December. Carol and I will be trekking back to “the 618” to see family and friends and recharge for the assault towards 2010.
My hope for you is simple. I hope you are as happy in your life’s pursuit as I am here with my wife and career in Texas.
God Bless you….and of course….God Bless Texas.
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