January 2017, Issue 1
Message from VPSA
Sam Gonzales
The beginning of both a new year and a new semester always brings a special feeling to campus - a sense of renewal combined with the anticipation of exciting new possibilities. Like many of you, I've often made lists of special projects I'd like to accomplish in the coming year, or some professional development I'd like to achieve.
However, having worked in many departments across Student Affairs during my career, I'm also familiar with how the promise of a new year soon can be overshadowed by the realities of a busy spring semester and our march toward Commencement. Unfortunately, the first casualty of our busy schedules is often our list of professional resolutions.
At a recent Student Affairs Council meeting, we reviewed an article that suggested an interesting solution: make a Bucket List rather than a Resolution List. The writer pointed out that we often lose sight of our resolutions, but bucket list items are more likely to be revisited frequently throughout the year.
So, rather than feel the guilt or shame of "resolution failure," relying on a bucket list lets us call on the aspirational and motivational qualities of that list at any point in the year. This can really help us get through the stressful times of the academic year by reminding us of how we're growing and improving each year.
I'd enjoy hearing what you think about this, and any bucket list items of your own that you would like to share.
Best wishes,
Sam
We Are UTSA! We Are Student Affairs!