Letter From Dean Pamela Jansma
Keep Going, This is Temporary
In the most recent Zoom meeting of the CLAS Dean’s Student Advisory Council one of our very wise students quoted Winston Churchill while discussing our current situation: If you’re going through hell, keep going.
There is no doubt that this semester has been difficult for everyone – especially for those who have been directly impacted by COVID19, those working in medical fields or supporting loved ones who are, and parents helping young children to understand these unprecedented times. We have been focusing on things that stress us out and make us afraid on every scale, from the miniscule mysteries of viral behavior to the future of the planet. But as the sun comes back (with a vengeance) this week and we all contemplate what summer holds, I hope we can take time to soak in some vitamin D (using sunscreen, of course) and look to our bright future.
There is no doubt we are going to continue suffering ramifications from COVID19 in the short-term, but these will be temporary. As individuals, as a college, and a university we have so much to look forward to. We don’t know yet when restrictions will lift and we will be able to return to campus, but starting this week drive-through testing on the Auraria Campus will bring the City of Denver one step closer. We have all learned valuable skills in the realm of using technology for effective communication over the past few weeks that will serve us in the future. And most of all, we’ve had an opportunity to reevaluate what matters most and how we can make the biggest impact for good in our homes, our communities, and in our professional lives. I’m excited to see what is yet to come for CLAS and how we will all contribute to that future together.
Be well everyone,
Pam