March 13, 2017
Dear IMSA Family,
Have you ever wanted to “stop the world” and get out of the rat race? What if we could hit the “pause” button? For this reflection, I’m pushing the “pause” button from all of the budget and racial anxiety.
Earlier this week, I was reminded of the importance of “gratitude” while reading Naked Spirituality, a book authored by a friend, Brian McLaren. Brian illustrates the importance of appreciating what we have by reminding us of the Joni Mitchell song, “Big Yellow Taxi.” The refrain of Joni’s song includes, “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”
In the midst of budget pressures and uncertainties, I’m pleased to say that the state of IMSA is strong! While we may experience anxiety given social unrest in the short term, I’m pleased to say that the state of IMSA is good. While envisioning the future is fraught with unpredictability, I’m pleased to say that the state of IMSA is full of possibilities.
How much would we give to have a residential school for advanced learners? A lot!
How much would we give to have outstanding alumni who give back to IMSA? Everything!
How much would we give to employ outstanding faculty and staff and have the ability to pay our bills and make payroll each period? All of what we have!
When we consider where we would be if we had no residential school for advanced learners, nor alumni who give back, nor outstanding faculty, nor residence halls, etc., etc., we can be appreciative and thankful for all of the great things we have.
Today I encourage you to be thankful.
I appreciate our parents for trusting their children under our care. I appreciate our students for choosing to live on campus and being immersed in IMSA’s bubble. I appreciate our staff, including faculty, for trusting that we can get through these difficult budget challenges.
Today, I am full of thanks.
Sincerely,
José M. Torres, PhD
President
P.S. Have a wonderful spring break!
