We are on the cusp of summer and an incredible spring semester has ended. Collectively, we graduated 5,270 amazing Tigers destined to go out and make their own impact on the world. We should all be proud. Our beautiful environment and weather are calling, and I am sure many of you are itching to get outside the office and enjoy this gorgeous landscape we call home.
But I have also become increasingly aware of the stress pressing on higher education these past few weeks. I feel the uncertainty, the questions, the fear — and, as one colleague described it, “the desire to crawl under my desk and come out when things are better.”
I’ve never been one to back down from hard things. I believe, fundamentally, in the good in the world — and in the truth that each one of us has a role to play in shaping ourselves, our homes, our organizations, and our world into what we hope they can be. Positive change doesn’t happen if we sit back and do nothing.
There’s a reason we have so many beloved quotes in pop culture and literature that remind us of this:
“There’s good in the world, Mr. Frodo, and it’s worth fighting for.” – Samwise Gamgee
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” – Albus Dumbledore
“In spite of everything, I still believe people are really good at heart.” – Anne Frank
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” – Mother Teresa
When our environment is stressful and uncertain, it’s even more important to focus on health and well-being. That’s why we continue to have these conversations monthly. When life feels like it’s spinning out of control, and we’re overwhelmed by anxiety, fear and negativity — all of which are normal responses to uncertainty — we still have agency. We can choose how we show up.
Recently, I attended the graduation ceremony for the New Chair Academy, where President Clements offered remarks to the newest cohort of academic leaders. In his speech, he acknowledged the shifting landscape of higher education but reaffirmed our fundamental mission at Clemson University remains unchanged: education, research and service. He reminded us when we come together as a community, we will persevere — because we care for one another. And that’s who we are at Clemson University. We care.
That message resonated deeply. It was a reminder that well-being is not a luxury — it’s a way of being. Showing up as our authentic selves, for each other, despite the swirling uncertainty around us, is well-being in action.
So, take care of yourself. Take care of someone else. Invest your energy in what you can control. The current moment is just that — a moment. It won’t last forever. Don’t let fear and fatigue convince you that there’s no good in the world — because that’s simply not true.
This month, I invite you to pause. Take a deep breath. Prioritize a break. Use your leave time. Enjoy the benefits of living in and around Clemson’s beautiful urban forest.
Yes, things may feel difficult right now. But they won’t always be this way. And even amid challenges, things can be better — especially if we choose to care for ourselves and each other just a little more than we did yesterday.