Gratitude, Mentorship, and Meaning

Hi all, 

November is Gratitude Month (or Moth, depending) here at UMSI. One of my core practices for maintaining balance is keeping a gratitude inventory. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I start listing the things I’m grateful for.

In this job, it’s easy to make that list. Lately, there have been plenty of challenges, and I’m sure there will be more in the future. But really, those usually pale in comparison to how grateful I am to be doing this work in this place.

I’m grateful for the students in my class who are beginning a new phase of their lives, filled with curiosity and excitement for what’s ahead. I’m grateful for the people I work with who are continuously pushing boundaries—their own and mine—as they seek new knowledge and ways to share it. I’m grateful for the university, which, though not without its flaws, remains committed to creating and sharing knowledge for the public good. And I’m grateful to play a small part in that mission.

Another trick I use to maintain balance is one I borrow from Mr. Rogers. He would regularly ask his audience to spend one minute thinking about and being grateful for the people who helped make them who they are. I’m grateful for my mentors, many of whom I still turn to for advice. I’m grateful for my family, who ground me and give me far more than I give them. I’m grateful for former teachers who saw a love for learning in a first-generation student and pushed me to make learning my life’s mission. And as always, I’m grateful for all of you—for the care and passion you bring to your work each day.

I hope you take some time this month to reflect on your own gratitude and share that with the people around you.

Best,

Cliff Lampe, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs