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Parent, president roles teach a lesson

I have learned and experienced quite a bit so far in my two-month journey at D&E.  Upon reflection, I have been a bit surprised at times by the intersection of my two “p” roles, namely president and parent. Often, one influences and challenges the other.

Recently, I had the distinct pleasure of listening to one of our upper-class students speak in a public forum. Appropriately for this weekly column, she described her “journey” at Davis & Elkins College. I appreciated her honesty as she related the apprehension and fear of her early days on campus, the expectations placed upon her by family and self that caused angst and the internal struggle and growth that occurred as she was exposed to new ideas, new norms and new freedoms. Her journey has not always been easy nor happy … just purposeful. She talked of spiritual and intellectual development, changing likes and emerging new paths on the journey. As I listened to her speak, I could sense a bit of my younger self in her story as my collegiate years remolded me and opened new pathways I had never anticipated.

The “president” in me was proud that D&E was the root of the transformative experience for this student, who is now emerging from her time on campus as a confident young woman ready to make a difference in the world. She has discovered her voice, emerged as a leader and is truly a D&E success story evolving in front of our eyes!

The “parent” in me, however, was forced to come to grips with a reality she shared. Her parents, loving and well-intended I am certain, were disappointed that she chose to not follow their “plan” for her path in life.  As parents we want the best for our children, and hope they learn from our mistakes and struggles. In the shoes of those parents, I empathize with their fear of a daughter or son that wanders off the well-worn, perhaps safer, path and strikes out in a new and uncharted direction. And yet, I marveled at this student who eloquently expressed her desire to honor and respect her parents, and yet pursue her own emerging dreams with all their promise and peril.

For me, in my internal struggle between “president” and “parent” I am encountering the promise and uncertainty that each of us, young and old, experience as we journey the path of life.  The decisions are not easy, the outcomes are never certain and the inner strength required to live out our lives with meaning and intentionality must be constantly renewed. I remember the words my father often said: “God never promised the journey would be easy. God simply promised to be with us on the journey.”  For both the president and the parent, that gives me peace.

The journey continues. …

Chris A. Wood is president of Davis & Elkins College.

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