The Olympic Spirit

2/10/14 The Olympic Spirit

You deserve a gold medal. If we had a podium, you would be standing on the top. But, you wouldn't be standing next to physical competitors, you’d be standing next to psychological, health, budgetary, staffing, educational, socioeconomic and demographic foes. You are making a difference for our students because you know that they have so much to overcome. You are winning because you know why you are fighting every day. You don’t dwell on students’ foes, but you give them tools to overcome them. You don’t just recommend a career or advise on a program, you help them finish the race. A sprinter could compete barefoot, but is more likely to win if she has the shoes best suited for the conditions of the race. You are outfitting our runners with the right gear. The Olympic Creed says: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” You are fighting well. You are winning- for yourself, for your family, for the institution, for our students. You are on top. We are standing with you.