“It’s going to be another great day,” I think to myself as I turn left onto the ETSU campus. The sun is working its way up, the rolling fog is gently lifting, and folks are beginning to pepper the sidewalks and streets of campus.

As I slide into a parking space next to my home-away-from-home, the College of Education, the lights are already on in the office I share with some amazing colleagues. Like me, they are committed to teaching, thinking creatively, and guiding ETSU students on their educational journeys. “I am so lucky to be a part of this community and do what I do,” I tell myself.

Then my mind wanders off to the 4:00 class where students will engage in a “string exercise” that emphasizes the critical role they will play as counselors in their clients’ lives. “You may be the last string the client has left in hand,” I will tell them. “We must never take this for granted. You may find yourself holding the client’s life in your hands.”

Becoming a part of the ETSU community means you are truly invested in your future. You hold this future in your hands. Attending ETSU is a great opportunity. Earning a college degree will open doors for you as you venture forth in life. As long as you remain open to experience, you will grow in ways you never thought possible. Perhaps you will discover a love for science or literature, find a friend in someone who has traveled around the world to attend ETSU, learn that the definition of “family” is as broad as the universe, and come to appreciate the whole of you.

Being an ETSU student is a privilege, one to be honored. I hope you will quickly discover that your presence in this community is valued. I hope you will actively contribute to our diverse community by achieving your best, being the best person you can be, and nurturing yourself and others in our community.

“You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.” These words, spoken by Mahatma Gandhi many years ago, represent my vision for every member of the ETSU community, students, faculty and staff alike. In these words I hear a charge to be part of a greater collective that works toward harmony through respect, appreciation of differences, and a celebration of all.

At ETSU, you will learn to work collaboratively with other students, faculty and staff as you pursue your dreams. You will be challenged to explore the kind of footprint you want to make in the world. And if you permit your mind and heart to be open, you will discover beauty in the world and in yourself that you never knew existed.

I hope you will feel as fortunate as I do for each day in this world, and that like me you’ll hear yourself saying, “It’s going to be another great day . . .”

Dr. Barbara Beauchamp