Everybody touch somebody

The other day I was listening to one of my favorite radio shows and podcasts, This American Life. It was a "rerun" of an early show and featured stories about sports, something that isn't happening live right now.  One story dealt with a high school football team in Mississippi (Alabama?) after Hurricane Katrina.  Despite the devastation, lack of a full squad, and homelessness, the high school team rallied to play a game against their rivals. 



I'm not an athlete, I've never played competitively on any sport team.  On occasion I've been involved in co-ed or intramural sports, and I have served as a guest "faculty coach" for teams at colleges where I've worked and been part of the pre-game locker room rituals.  All teams seem to have the tradition of a "huddle" where the players gather tightly together and chant before heading to the field.  I've heard coaches and team captains call this maneuver by variously saying "huddle up" or "bring it in" or "all together now."  However, this high school coach said, "everybody touch somebody."  The phrase was repeated a few times throughout the radio episode and each time it struck me as particularly poignant.  Even though I couldn't see the team, I knew they were huddling.  But "everybody touch somebody" feels more intimate, more personal.  And such a good mantra for life outside of sports. 

Everybody touch somebody.

Virtual Commencement

Graduation day is probably the highlight of the year for me.  I love meeting the families and friends of our graduates and sharing in their pride.  Our graduates are happy, everyone is a little nervous, and the energy in the room is palpable.

This year we couldn't hold an in-person ceremony, but instead taped congratulatory remarks and student speeches that were streamed today. In some ways it was even more intimate, since the speaker seemed to be speaking directly to you.

After watching the ceremonies for my departments, I sent emails to those graduating students I had advised or had in class.  I wanted to try to extend the personal touch that I would have been able to deliver in person.  I had not expected what I would get in return.....

"Thank you very much! I really appreciate that you are reaching out to me.
I really appreciate everything you have done for me as an advisor! Thank you for everything. I hope you have a great summer!"

"Thank you very much! I hope you are doing well. Sorry I couldn't see you in person. Thank you for everything you have done for Lewis College and for an enjoyable LCHS 100 class. That class was kind of the point where I really felt I could make something out of myself as a Global Studies major. Once again, thank you for everything!"

"Saw the ceremony, thank you! I wouldn’t be here without your support as well as IIT in general. Thanks again, hope to see you again one day!"

"I feel so honored to have received this personal congratulatory message from you.  Yes I heard your wonderful message and I am proud to be getting my degree from the Lewis College of Human Sciences’ Psychology Department!
I hope to see you soon.  Thank  you again, for all of your kindness and well-wishes."