In attendance was a number of students, plus Assistant Vice President Cassy Kent, Provost Jonathan Keiser, President Robert Nye, Board of Trustee Member Donna Mihalik, and Chemical Dependency Counseling Coordinator and Professor Mary Murphy, Access Services & Resource Sharing Librarian April Broughton, Admissions and Financial Aid Counselor Katia Chapman.
Sound intimidating?
It wasn't.
Most of them showed us a pet. Dr. Nye chatted with us as his dog sat on his lap. Cassy turned her camera to show us her beautiful Golden Retriever named Pearl. April went outside to show us a turkey, a parade of chickens, and their alpacas.And there were students with us, too, of course. Robin, Bucket, Sierra, Cambrie, Laura, Rebecca, Emma, Heidi.
Oh, the pets. That was the moment I stopped being nervous about how it would go. How can we be nervous or anxious when we are holding cats and dogs and even a tortoise up to our cameras?
How could I worry that it would go well when we are all laughing and can HEAR the laughter of multiple people coming from our computer speakers. There was serious conversation, too, as we got asked about our general well being and how we were managing in these strange times. We got to pick the brain of the president and ask questions that were on our minds about what is happening at FLCC now and in the future. It was open, candid, and honest. It was heartfelt and it mattered.
One student almost didn't go. Earlier in the afternoon, when I asked if they were ready for our party, said "I'm gonna try. This has been a rough day." They were there. They laughed, too. We got to support each other and there was nothing specific anyone had to plan or do. Just being there and seeing faces, hearing voices, sharing silly stories and serious thoughts.
Thank you, Honors Friends. It did my heart good and I think it helped everyone else who was there as well. Perhaps we can meet again and you will join us.
Just look at these smiles....
The heart of Honors is beating and it is strong.
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