I always do my best to shine a little light, encouragement, and love with those willing to connect. Tonight, I stopped at the local drug store. The employee was having a rough night, and I asked how much longer her shift was (10:30 pm with 7 am return).
My husband picked up chocolate peanut butter ice cream, and she said she would come over to cry and help me eat it. She said something about being a hug person, and I lamented how much I also miss hugs.
As I was preparing to leave, I asked, “can I give you a hug?” She accepted and met me at the end of the counter for a genuine hug.
My favorite days are the days I get to hug strangers. I’ve missed it so much.
As I said goodbye to my classmates Tuesday night (our last class meeting), I had to say out loud that I would miss seeing many of them next semester (accelerated post coming soon). Some will be graduating by December, and our classes no longer overlap. Tonight, I reflected on our one-two sessions together, our growth and vulnerabilities.
Then I realized that some of them will walk at the commencement ceremonies. I volunteer at those events and hug strangers at those events. Surely, I will get to meet some classmates at graduation! I started to imagine the next two years! Three ceremonies a year, potentially meeting the people with whom I will undoubtedly grow so much.
- Who will we be after completing another class? What about two classes from now? Four?
- Can you imagine looking at our final projects, reflections, innovation plans, and these digital babies (our ePortfolios)?
- How much will they/we change through the evolution of this program?
- How are you feeling?
- Have you taken a good deep breath lately?
- Have you hugged a stranger? (Okay, I know that the last one’s not for everyone)
The Advisor That Cares 