Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Only in the darkness can one see the stars”. His words inspire hope in my mind, heart, and soul. They help strengthen my inner being, build my resiliency and gratitude, and remind me about the power in positivity. Especially during this time of global crises and movements; King’s words spark a grand light of promise for me. I refuse to fixate on the ugliness of the world around me. I need to see the stars and know there is change coming that will build a better tomorrow. Yes, it took a pandemic for me to feel liberated.
Yes, it took a pandemic for me to change my ways. I have not worn high heels or uncomfortable shoes in over five months and my feet, knees and legs thank me. I have not had to spend hours on my hair and makeup to get ready for the day at the office. Instead, I have embraced my authentic self and let the true color of my natural hair sparkle like tinsel from the light reflected from my computer screen. My complexion has never felt healthier and is not missing all the foundation I once wore to conceal my years of experiences. I have not had to iron clothes in preparation for the week ahead, instead I have cleaned out my closets and donated many beautiful items to worthy causes. I have seriously reflected on the difference between ‘needs’ and ‘wants’ and, accordingly, I have made better decisions.
While I spend more hours on my electronic devices, I am also connecting more to my family and friends, communities, and the world around me more so than ever before. I have celebrated my faith through ‘attending’ various masses held around the world in some grand and beautiful churches. And I have learned more than I ever knew about some truly amazing woman who overcame incredible challenges and did amazing deeds to have become amazing Saints of today. Technology, video calls, emails, social media, and texts have all taken on a new level of importance as my soul is fueled with knowledge and connections. My adult sons’ check-in more often and the miles between us are dissolved. I have reconnected with friends and relatives from around the globe. And what a blessing it was to feel fully “there” at the one-year birthday celebration for my grand nephew who lives far away. Yes, it took a pandemic for me to become better connected to my loved ones.
I am reading more than I ever have. Eager to soak up the truths and solve grand mysteries. I have had time to reflect upon successes and failures, not only in my own life, but in our nation’s history. I have fully committed to continue my growth and development by intently learning, listening, observing, understanding, and changing. I am filled with hopefulness as campuses embrace dialogues about the appropriateness of statues and names of roads and buildings; as we review and rewrite policies and practices to build equity and equality; and as we build coalitions to address the deepest rooted needs of our campus and surrounding communities. Yes, it took a pandemic for us to come to our senses.
Staying positive through challenging times does not mean that all will work out beautifully in the end. However, what it does do is builds one’s confidence in knowing that they, no matter how things work out in the end, will be stronger. It took a pandemic for me to fully believe in the promise of an authentic, better connected, stronger, healthier, more united tomorrow.
Martha Jo Asselin, PhD has over 30 years’ experience working in higher education and is currently serving as the Director of the Center for Leadership and Service at the State University of New York – University at Albany. For eight years she has proudly served as a Board member for the New York State ACE Women’s Network.