Spring is in session

Some people know it's spring by the warm weather, others by the official "Day of Spring" on the calendar. My girls know spring is upon us by a much more nature-inspired method. They have named all flowering trees "popcorn trees", because the white blossoms look like balls of popcorn. As we drive by the newly-budding trees, they will shout from the backseat, "Pink popcorn tree!" or "Look Mom! More popcorn trees!"

Since the last post, we've found out that we have a healthy boy arriving in July! Paradigm shifts seem to be a common occurrence in our family. As soon as we get really good at pink, Princesses, and sparkles, God sends us a boy. (I think my husband needed an excuse to play with small cars and trucks again.)

Figuring out the ins and outs of my new job has been a challenge, but I really enjoy the people I work with, the environment, and the opportunities and possibilities it presents. Not many people get the opportunity to hand pick their mentors, but working alongside my mentor (who came into my life by the grace of God) is equal parts intimating and empowering. He is a master of clear expectations and goals, and expects our very best in all aspects of our work. He also balances approachability with the ability to listen, guide, teach, and inspire.

More than ever now, my thoughts have turned towards academia and the great opportunities there to help the greatest number of people better society. Dedication to greater causes is what makes academia flourish where business, governments, and ideologies fail. Dedication to time-tested principles make way for individuals and societies that are revered and emulated. Ideology changes with each generation, but the principles remain the same. We need a world that focuses less on the hows of ideas and more of the whys of the principles that work. It will take years, but eventually I hope that I will be able to empower my own students as my mentor has empowered and inspired me.

I love this rebirth and renewal time of year. Possibilities are endless and whatever life chooses to throw at me and my family, I feel confident that we'll be able to overcome anything... not just survive, but thrive.