President John Dunn (Chyn Wey Lee/Western Herald)
We will soon be approaching one of our country’s most treasured holidays—Thanksgiving. For many, this means time with family, lots of turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings. For others, those not from the USA or those whose cultural roots are different, the day may be more of an opportunity to sleep late, catch up on studies or just enjoy a movie or good book.
Regardless of one’s perspective on the day or its cultural and historical perspective, I would like to encourage all of us to use the day to say “thanks” to those who have helped us along the way. Obviously, this includes parents, grandparents and other relatives. Families deserve to be on the “thanks” list. However, I am encouraging everyone to think beyond the family list.
As I think about my early development, some of the folks that need to be on my list include teachers, neighbors, and people who hired me to rake leaves, mow lawns, deliver newspapers, and do other odd jobs. Most of us can think of a teacher who really made a difference in our life—someone who taught us not only the subject matter, but also encouraged us to think and challenge the status quo. A teacher may also have stood out because of how he or she handled student issues—managing to correct, but always doing so with kindness and a hand that was never too heavy.
In my little town of Pinckneyville, Ill., where I grew up, I fondly recall several homes where I was always treated as a member of the family. This meant I could count on a place at the dinner table, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich after school, and always a kind word.
Of course, there were times when a neighbor corrected me if I were doing something that was not appropriate. But I knew even on these occasions that they really were interested in me, and their reminders to “shape up” were expressions of concern and affection. They were helping to nurture me along a better path.
I realize now, however, after all these years that I have failed to really say thanks to so many who have helped me throughout my life. My list includes family members and other individuals who might be shocked to learn my view of the positive and profound impact they have had on my life.
So here’s my request. Please join me in using this time of Thanksgiving to write a note, make a call or do something special for at least one person who has made a difference in your life. This is not an assignment —it’s an opportunity. Happy Thanksgiving.
John M. Dunn, Ph.D., is the president of Western Michigan University.
About Fritz