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Nov. 26, 2024
Welcome to week 14!
Happy Thanksgiving! Happy Fall Break!
ZOMG! You have made it! Can you believe it? When we started our journey together back
in August, this milestone was amazingly far off. It was thirteen weeks into the distant
future and now, here you are, getting ready for a few days of quiet and rest (I hope!).
You have learned so much and come so far. Congratulations and well done.
If our 16-week journey was in fact a race, this week might be an easy downhill that
you could coast along gently for a bit. You could use the opportunity to regather
your energies for the final push. There is only one more week of classes starting
next Monday, then finals, and out the door into Winter Break. Woohoo! Take advantage
of the time and enjoy the time off.
At the same time, I want to acknowledge that the holidays can be really difficult
for some. For those of you who are working to make ends meet, taking care of family,
or otherwise carrying responsibilities outside of your classes that are ramping up,
I want you to know that you are not alone. So many people carry so much during this
season and I offer you special kudos and a special nod of respect and applause. Well
done.
As a result of all the demands of this time of year, it can be easy to fall into mental
ruts or fall into ‘one's own head’ in a way that is not helpful. I think that is part
of what this week and this season is all about. Take a moment to appreciate those
in your life who have helped to get you where you are. Take a moment to count your
blessings, feel grateful, or give back. Sometimes, doing for others is the best medicine
for conquering our own stresses and worries.
Last year I had the pleasure of attending Hess-Giving, our Troth Yeddha’ campus celebration
of Thanksgiving and the Fall Break for those who don’t leave UAF for the holiday or
for those who simply wish to join in a wonderful meal and celebration. It starts this
Thursday at 1 p.m. in Hess Commons in the MBS complex. If you aren’t otherwise committed
and are already on a UAF meal plan, I encourage you to stop by. The food and atmosphere
are wonderful and full of appreciation for the basic good things in life. There is
good food and wonderful time spent with fellow travelers. Employees donate pies and
desserts. Chartwells donates turkey with all the holiday fixings; it is a warm moment
full of holiday spirit and genuine warmth. I am grateful for the tradition.
Things to do:
Take care of yourself. Take care of your friends and loved ones. Appreciate and give
back to those who have given to you. Find joy in the small simple things.
Get outside. The new snow on Sunday/Monday has the Troth Yeddha’ campus here in Fairbanks
looking like a set from your favorite holiday movie. I hope that wherever you are,
you find joy and peace and get some rest and rejuvenation. The next few days will
fly by. You are doing awesome. Keep it up!
Have a great break!Ìý
As ever, if you have suggestions to send my way, please do so. I’m at: obguthrie@alaska.edu.
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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