We got a lot of new Lobos yesterday and my heart is full to bursting. I met so many incredible young men and women and their families. Move in day is one of my favorite days of the year. There is so much anticipation, hope and excitement surrounding new beginnings. Summer II move in comes at just the right time, after just a little too much time has past without the students around. It’s such an excellent reminder of why we do what we do. It’s like a long, cold drink in the middle of the hot desert.
If I’m honest, my heart hasn’t been so full lately. As many of you know, this position can be a grind. It’s demanding, lonely and often thankless. Especially in the grind of summer prep as we clean up from last year and set the stage for fall. The coaches are all pounding the pavement recruiting and the admin team is processing paperwork and reviewing policy.
I don’t direct college athletics for the trophies, sure I’d love to win some just as much as the next person, but that’s not why I’m here. I’m here for the education. The opportunity. The life changing course of action. I believe that if the young men and women we recruit don’t leave here as better human beings, we didn’t do our job. Their presence on campus yesterday reminded me of this. Their presence is so very refreshing.
Don’t forget the heart of the matter dear friends. At the core of my center is a desire to educate the kids other people might overlook. The ones who thought they didn’t have a chance. The first in their families. The ones who never even dreamed of having a college education. Those are my people. I will fight every single day for those kids. I know life is a grind and there is darkness all around, but please do not lose hope. Lead with your heart, remember why you started and show up everyday. Much love and leading with your heart sweet friends.
