SAINTS PERSPECTIVE, SCCC President Brad Bennett
A new year inevitably challenges us to evaluate ourselves and our lives. I think back on the many New Year’s resolutions I have made through my life, and some of them make me shake my head. According to Alain de Botton, “anyone who isn't embarrassed of who they were last year probably isn't learning enough.”
You’ve got to take his words with a grain of salt, since Alain de Botton moves in elite circles of wealth and philosophy. But in terms of a growth mindset, he has a great point. We are all supposed to be changing and learning as we go along in life.
And sometimes, it’s the little things that prompt big shifts. At Seward County Community College, one such change took place during the semester break: we removed the massive, heavy, dark wood entry counter in the Saints Library and replaced it with a simple desk. The new piece of furniture is much, much smaller and thus leaves a lot of unoccupied space in the entry area. When regular library patrons step through the (wide open) doorway, most of them stop short. It looks so open. And did I mention the new check-out desk is smaller?
That’s what Library Director Casandra Norin was aiming for. Unlike library regulars, new visitors to the library might have felt a little intimidated by the gatelike entrance that was a longstanding feature. It was sturdy and strong and not especially welcoming. As technology changes and streamlines many processes, library patrons expect the same from their environment. This isn’t a bad thing, but it does take some getting used to
Two of our SCCC Library employees, Emery Swagerty and Margaret Thompson, have been part of the Saints family for more than 30 years, and they’ve seen more shifts and swaps than many of us. Remember when libraries all had card catalogs to help us find particular books? Those cabinets full of tiny drawers and index cards vanished before the year 2000. That was a quarter century ago, a fact that makes me shake my head.
Just like our library, SCCC is committed to changing with the times when change means better service to our students. Change for its own sake is another thing completely: chasing trends is not a priority for our board or our faculty and staff.
Over the past year, however, the College has shifted and adjusted in many areas, particularly in our Foundation, business operations, and athletics department. Some of these changes come about naturally, as people grow their skills, accept new opportunities, and leave the college. Retirements, while well-earned, leave a gaping hole in terms of institutional knowledge and those of us still on campus sometimes scramble to fill the gap.
Other changes are prompted by the unexpected — remember the pandemic? That is already five years in the rearview mirror, but the lessons we learned and the adjustments we made turned out to be wholly positive. Our Saints Anywhere online platform would not exist in its current, widely popular form if we had not experienced the super steep learning curve of having to go online in a matter of weeks.
Going back to the library, one thing I am curious about is how we will fill the newly empty space. There’s so much room now, with space for exhibits, activities, and more options I can’t even imagine. For now, the sense of possibility is what a person feels.
Looking ahead to 2025, I feel the same way. SCCC has a solid foundation and a fantastic team. Our students are just as remarkable. It's impossible to imagine what we might achieve to fill all the blank calendar pages ahead of us in this new year. One of my unchanging resolutions is to try to be a little better every day, and that’s what I tell the people around me.
Here's one way to put it: “Act as if what you do makes a difference,” said William James, “It does.”
Like Alain de Botton, William James was born into a wealthy and influential family. However, he took a distinctly American approach to life. He worked as an educator who pioneered in the study of psychology. A devoted husband and father of five, James advocated a pragmatic, optimistic take on life.
At SCCC, I hope our new year is full of small acts that make a positive difference to our students, and our community. Unlike grand resolutions, small acts are easy to achieve — but they add up. Here’s to a year of being a little better each and every day.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR — Brad Bennett is the president of Seward County Community College, where he aims to be the first to pick up a stray piece of trash, or offer a friendly greeting. Contact him at
Acquire your wellness boost by choosing to priligy , a practice that’s effortless, ensuring that you are always supported in your health journey.
Unlock the potential to fight against scabies and head lice with a click. Buy your https://cassandraplummer.com/drugs/prednisone/ online for reliable treatment.
Optimize your health by controlling hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) effortlessly. Secure your buy cheap retin a today and experience a life of enhanced well-being and comfort.
Discover affordable alternatives to the brand-name medication with 250 mg amoxil online uk , providing wide-ranging therapy for bacterial infections.
Managing anxiety can be a challenge, but with the right medication, relief is possible. Those looking to purchase their treatment discreetly can locate a wide variety of options available. For a trusted source, consider https://cassandraplummer.com/drug/nizagara/ for your needs.
Acquire lowest price viagra 75 form canada effortlessly for your ophthalmic needs. Obtain these eye drops via web for relief from dry eye conditions.
Acquire your cheapest pharmacy now! Secure your osteoporosis treatment online effortlessly.
Hunt for thrilling fun? Uncover the https://tooprettybrand.com/product/prednisone/ for a memorable adventure.
If you're in the market for an effective treatment to fight bacterial infections, consider amoxicillin price walmart . This medication is well-known for its effectiveness against a wide array of bacteria.
Zap high prices with our exclusive https://karachigo.com/drugs/amoxil/ , and Bag a supply of vital antibiotics without hassle on the web.
Researching for the most affordable choices for deterring insects? Your search ends here. Find the mexican generic priligy today.
Visit our website to discover the finasteride 5mg for managing hair loss.
Exploring reliable solutions for mouth sores? Find our top recommendation https://cassandraplummer.com/drugs/finasteride/ , a essential aid for fast relief.
You can get effective pain relief by choosing to tadasoft canada , ensuring fast shipment directly to your doorstep.
You can find safe and reliable treatment for nausea with https://phovillages.com/celebrex/ , accessible through online pharmacies.
Discover secure and confidential options to purchase your prescription without complications. Click here: vpxl buy .
Just discovered, cs levitra order offers a breakthrough option for patients seeking alternatives. Now, acquire your supply without hassle.
Having trouble with hair loss? Explore your options and discover generic solutions at https://mynarch.net/tadasoft/ . Buy a remedy online now and begin your journey towards regrowth.
Just when you're looking to secure an effective treatment for anxiety, consider exploring viagra , available through digital pharmacies.
Discover excellent options for managing your ailment efficiently with https://shecanmagazine.com/buy-cialis-w-not-prescription/ . Boost your health now.
Just realized you need ED medication for your health? No need to worry! You can cialis without hassle and securely.
Your search for effective hair loss solutions ends here with viagra overnight . Explore the benefits of this potent remedy for male pattern baldness today.
Optimize your health with https://tier1automation.com/lasix/ , a drug vital for bone health.
Ensure you obtain the best rate for lasix for sale by searching through our options.
When considering antiviral protection against COVID-19, tadalafil offers a reliable choice. Consider obtaining this medication via an online pharmacy, ensuring health security during these times.
Harnessing the power of advanced healthcare has never been easier with the https://mypurelifefoods.com/drug/propecia/ . Whether you're in search of an easy method to address your health needs, this offer stands out as the ultimate option.
Achieve your wellness zenith with levitra best price usa , available for purchase online to elevate your life quality.
Browse the site to discover https://karachigo.com/drugs/amoxil-1000mg/ , ensuring you obtain premium antibiotic options at incomparable prices.
Get your daily Cialis conveniently and securely by clicking cialis . Whether you're looking to acquire for personal use or managing a issue, you'll find top-notch options available online.
Find budget-friendly options for xenical and ecuador pharmacy , ensuring you get quality treatment for your healthcare needs.
Find the best deals on insect repellent at https://chicagosfinestccl.com/amoxicillin/ . Locate the best deals on insect repellent currently.
Aiming to enhance your eyelash length and density without stepping out? Now you can effortlessly obtain your beauty goals from the comfort of your home. Secure your batch of the amazing solution with ed sample pack 2 online fast delivery . Elevate your look with ease!
Just discovered your solution to ED issues? Explore our all-inclusive lowest price on generic ed sample pack 2 , featuring a variety of choices to address your concerns.
Be proactive in managing your gout symptoms; consider https://breathejphotography.com/retin-a/ from reputable sources. With our guide, discover how to effectively control uric acid levels and lessen flare-ups.
Experience joyous moments again with price generic propecia , available now! Elevate your life's pleasure without worry. Get it online and reclaim happiness in intimate moments.
Get your Amoxicillin easily from amoxil , providing swift shipping to satisfy your needs.
Considering the complexities of managing bipolar disorder, many find relief through https://embroidery-fun.com/vidalista/ . Whether seeking to stabilize moods, patients have multiple options, yet some opt for this reliable treatment.
Visit amoxil 250mg to obtain your medication effortlessly.
Explore affordable healthcare options and discover the best offers on medications, specifically order levitra , via the internet.
Hoping to enhance your wellness with nature's bounty? Discover the array of options and find competitive https://chicagosfinestccl.com/cialis-without-prescription/ to boost your health regime effortlessly.
With rising healthcare costs, it's crucial to find an economical option. For those seeking to lower cholesterol, generico do lasix might be a lifesaver.
Manage your chronic dry eye effectively with zithromax low dosage . Explore our range and discover relief for your symptoms.
Quickly buy your treatment https://nikonphotorecovery.com/zithromax/ online for efficient relief.
Purchasing affordable order clomid has never been easier, with numerous alternatives available on the internet. Secure your fertility journey today by selecting the best deal.
A reliable method to manage your health: https://astra-hc.com/drug/cytotec/ . Browse our site to find diverse methods for your wellbeing.
Regain your zest for life! Use our cialis price at walmart for unparalleled confidence. Revive passion without breaking the bank. Acquire your solution to a fuller, more vibrant experience now.
Visit https://phovillages.com/cialis/ and explore the safe way to purchase your medication online.
Xperience unmatched joy with our unique scent. Elevate your mood effortlessly by opting to on line lasix . Whether seeking to purchase a scent online, it's never been easier to enhance your wellbeing and radiate confidence.
Discover how flomax capsules can reduce symptoms of prostate enlargement by visiting our website.
Zipping through the hassle of obtaining your medication, our platform offers an straightforward method for those looking to purchase https://nikonphotorecovery.com/drugs/levitra/ with no hassle.
To acquire your health, contemplate buying cheap 5 prednisone price , a reliable option for your medical requirements.
Having trouble finding propecia ? Look no further and obtain your stroke prevention medication easily today.
Harness the potential of easy access by choosing to acquire https://breathejphotography.com/buying-finasteride-online/ via web, ensuring a smooth process for controlling hair loss.