...for those who have ears...
While you await your acceptance letter or anticipate your first day of class, consider, perhaps during a break from You Tubing, the presence of these two concepts at work around you: content and process.
Staff as well as students have uploaded a tremendous amount of content to this website in order to assist readers, like you, on their quest to obtain their MSW. Indeed, one could probably argue for better formats, clearer instructions, or more personalized services. This is a major transition and all of life could be a little more user-friendly. However, in the midst of it all, pause and reflect on these three suggestions regarding content. First, start with this obvious acknowledgement: I don’t know. Then relax and begin to find out by asking, exploring, and synthesizing all that you need to know. Store it in a paper or an electronic notebook. Second, recognize: There are things I don’t know I am supposed to know. Inhale deeply and exhale then address this by admitting it to the people that should. Get second and third opinions and write down their contact information. Call if you get lost or confused. Do so when you finally arrive or complete it all to say, “Thanks!” Lastly, know the outcomes, the skills, and the life you what to achieve. Do all the work—passionately, consciously, and relentlessly—to realize them. Yet, leave room and the possibility for spontaneity…for the miracles on 34th street to transpire.
Like most universities, there are processes already at work: procedures, protocols, structures, departments, and deadlines. Don’t expect an evite requesting your attendance or action. Part of these processes are embedded and expressed in the content and the remaining lie in the interactions. Don’t be shy…you conquered kindergarten. Then, there is how you process it all. This will differ, in varying degrees, for everyone. However, we each can follow, support, alert, or lead the process in some form or fashion…even the ones here at the University of Maryland School of Work.
My brothers and sisters Marx is still within our minds' reach. We can always mobilize to collectively challenge both the content and process. Then (re)build and behold “a brave new world.”
…together in the struggle…
…until next write…
