“Be interested in life.” ~ David DeWitt
It was my first day back to work after the seasonal holiday break. As much as I like my job, I always dread going back to the routine. It doesn’t matter what the routine is – I’ve had a variety of positions at UK over the last 15 years – I’ve just always preferred my life to be less structured. Imagine one of those, “It’s not you. It’s me,” conversations. That’s what this is like. But this year I returned to find one of the greatest gifts I have ever received sitting in my mailbox. It was a small package from former student, then assistant turned colleague Esta Day Tovstiadi. It wasn’t the unique Boulder, Colorado-made puzzle that thrilled me, although that was delightful, but it was the card she sent with it. You never know whose life you’re going to change or make better, and what an honor it is to learn you’ve done such a thing. It makes the getting-up-way-too-early routine worth every ordinary second. Too, I photoshopped out a happy surprise in her note because it’s her story to tell. I was awfully honored she shared it with me as well. I must be doing something right. Right? I’m so grateful for Esta, and for a job that allows me to be part of other’s lives in such a meaningful way.
Leave a Reply