Is it ever really goodbye, if you are living a dream?

Posted by Thom on Friday, June 27, 2008 in Nashville.

I am leaving, in my estimation, what is the most culturally and intellectually effective and expressive university in the country. Never have I been surrounded by so many people who visibily and intuitively care about uplifting people with the commitment that is incredibly spiritual and other-worldly. For five years, I have inhabited an oasis of humanitarian existence that is Vanderbilt. Now, I leave that oasis for what is considered one of the Top 10 prep schools in the country: Westminster School in Atlanta, GA. Westminster is also arguably a mirror image of Vanderbilt with people of immacculate character and spirit. I leave Vanderbilt as an admissions officer to assume the role of college counselor and faculty member. I will teach a Politics course and will have the opportunity to assume complimentary roles in the Dean of Students Office. All very exciting opportunities.

Still, I honestly still have some difficulty wrapping my mind around my departure from Vanderbilt. The opportunity to be a college counselor was unexpected, but humbly welcomed. And while I leave Vanderbilt on familial terms with a reciprocal spiritual relationship with the Vandy community, I hold in my heart a bit of melancholy. I am going to miss Vanderbilt very much, and I will miss being an admissions officer. I had the pleasure of making a bunch of good friends over the course of 8 years. I truly count many of the students I have talked with as friends. My life has been enhanced by their words and their aspirations. At times, students have served as inspiration in my life. But all the time – you, the student, have helped me see the beauty and fulfillment of living a life of service to help other people better their lives. I am a better man because of you.