I’m sitting at my desk, looking at City Hall. The swing of the Dons Crane (Donatello, I dub thee) casts reflections on Hayes, Gillson, and Phelan, and I follow the shadow across the buildings.

The buildings are empty for the most part – but there are students back on campus taking  classes for intersession. The cafeteria is closed, but thankfully (or mercifully) Outtahere is open, doling out hot meals to those in need. Preparations in cubes and offices around me are taking place, getting reading for the return of the thundering herd, only a few weeks away.

Before 2011 came and went, I never saw such vitriol for a year. Online and off, people commented readily on how 2011 was not a pleasant year. Maybe I wear rosy glasses, but 2011 was not that bad. Sure there were challenges – the Big Green Wall affecting how students moved across campus, the traffic of trucks on Golden Gate make one more careful how they proceed across campus, the economy making jobs for students who support themselves were in short supply, to name a few. But there were good things too – the Big Green Wall, I noticed, affected traffic flow, but it also helped us run into each other more often – there were only two entrances/exits from Golden Gate (the driveway and b/w the Library and Harney). The traffic trucks rumbled on and off campus, but they also have helped us see how much the campus has transformed itself in just one years’ time. Students are working harder to get work – and in a few days I’ll be a part of a summit to talk about how to help students find jobs on campus. These are exciting times on the Hilltop, and I can’t help but look forward to the goodness that is to come.

It’s unfortunate that the end of the year is saved for looking back – and that we don’t take the time to look back more often. However, it is a Jesuit thing to do just that – reflect. As we go through the paces to renew ourselves and our purposes, look to do that more often in 2012.

For our seniors, this is going to be an important process – in a few short months, about five, I’ll be making sure your tassel is straight, and that you’ve your hood on properly. It moves VERY fast, the graduation ceremony, but equally fast are these last few months. Make them count. In my life, there was no other time that I was more productive, creative, and learning more than when I was in school – and that went for all three degrees. How will you spend your next few months?

Juniors, find yourself close to graduation as well. You have three more semesters. You should be preparing for your Junior summer and Senior years. Internships, volunteerships, etc. We can shake a stick and hit a recent grad – but what makes you unique and different are the sums of your experiences. What is your path? What does it look like? You have time to figure it all out. Take advantage of the many resources available on campus…and off campus as well.

Sophomores. Ah, my 2nd years. So many times we overlook our 2nd years – you are not newbs anymore. You’ve been there, done that. So I challenge you to look at your academic profile – what classes do you need to take, and when do you need to take them? Are we destined for graduate school? Even if you’re remotely interested in it, and I hope you are, take the time to look at your dream schools. Yep, you’re right. It’s just like applying to college again. It’s best for you to start early so you can make informed decisions about the next few semesters of your life. Ask any senior. They’ll tell you classes they wish they took when they had the chance. Don’t be that person.

Now to my newbs, my little first years who I love so much…One semester in I want you to stop and think about what you just accomplished. For some of you, it confirmed your academic ability and talent – you proved your chops. Great, now keep it up. For others, yes, GPAs can sink that far. I am going to be very blunt because if there’s anyone who can tell you the truth, it’s this: wake up. You are rarely given second chances at life, and Spring is the time for you to settle down, shake off those “ah, college is so much fun, i’ll do that paper later” stuff. You know, no one but you sees that report card…it doesn’t get mailed home, and your parents/family don’t have access to it. Give them something to see at the end of spring. If you need help with this, let me know. That’s what I’m here for.

Now the rest of you readers out there, not firsties through seniors, pause for the cause and set one goal this year. I’m not asking for three or twenty, but just one. And make it one you know you can complete. Life is too short to spend it wishing or wanting. Make it happen. We’re already 5 days into the new year. Spend the rest of it well.

Kindest regards, and much props,

Char