Making time for personal connections
Summer has been a long time in coming this year. The extended cool and wet spring has certainly put many of us in a “can’t wait for summer to arrive” frame of mind – and I’m no exception. Although, in addition to wanting to see all of you at the Memorial Union Terrace and the new Union South Plaza, I must admit that my desire to have summer arrive has had some personal motivation behind it as well.
Our oldest son, Quinton, just graduated this last weekend from the performing arts high school he’s been attending the last two years. This summer may represent the last time we have him to ourselves before he heads off to college in the fall, since we have no idea how his summers will be filled from here on out. As a result, we’ve been looking forward to the next three months for quite some time.
Among the myriad of responsibilities – finding a summer job, registering for his first semester classes, pulling together what he’ll need for his on-campus apartment, finding time to stay in shape (he’s pursuing a BFA in Dance in the fall) – I hope we’re also able to steal a piece of his time for lighter (and perhaps more important) pursuits. We’d love nothing more than to find time to flip through boxes of photographs from his early years and digital laptop images from the last few–walking through the neighborhood and talking to old friend, sitting on the back deck and reminiscing about how he came into the world, honoring what he’s accomplished so far, and dreaming about where he’s headed…
Finding time for moments of connection is so important. Slowing down to actually engage in meaningful conversation and actively listen to the other folks around you is, in many ways, becoming a lost art. I know I could certainly stand to brush up on my “personal connection” skills by leaving my BlackBerry on the desk more often. Having Quinton home this summer has reminded me of the importance of making time for all things – not just the seemingly urgent ones.
So, this summer seems like the perfect time to re-discover the art of connecting. The longer – and finally warmer – days have arrived giving us little excuse for not taking advantage of what they have to offer. And, of course, I can think of no better place to practice your “connection skills” than at the Union. Whether it be at Memorial Union or Union South, I encourage you to make a commitment now to meet a friend, bring the family or stroll on down by yourself to your favorite spot in the next week. Make us a habit over the next twelve weeks. Don’t let summer slip by without spending at least part of it at your Union. We’d love to connect with you!
By Mark Guthier
