3 People 3 Questions

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Posted on January 18, 2023 by MCOB

MCOB

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Lynn Robinson
Professor Emeritus of Marketing and Transportation

What are you reading?
Since the COVID shutdowns, I have read more fiction than in all of the past 30 years, much of it what I call brain pablum (baby food): lots of whodunits by authors David Baldacci, Linda Castillo, Tom Clancy, Tony Hillerman and James Patterson.

I also discovered the stellar writing of Hervey Allen and of Zora Neale Hurston. Two historical fictions engendered personal gratitude for having lived a life of opportunity in the United States, where leadership is citizen-elected; those books are “Fruit of the Drunken Tree” by Ingrid Rojas Contreras and “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.

Who is inspiring you?
COVID-shunning workers who have continued to teach, to manufacture, to repair our homes, roads, appliances, etc., to nurture and treat the sick, to assist in maintaining our teeth, to respond to people and animal needs all inspire me.

My grandchildren and their zest for life inspire me.

What is the best part of your day?
Many years ago a friend introduced me to the phrase, “Have an attitude of gratitude.” Psalm 118:24 of the Old Testament says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” When I can remember those things, the best part of my day is in the moment.

On a lighter note: most days my husband and I, and assorted neighborhood friends, have a late afternoon hour of marvelous moments. COVID shutdowns have given birth to “drinking in the driveway” at our home. We provide chairs, an outdoor fan or heater as needed, and the space for gathering. Neighbors amble over with juice, water, spirits or simply congeniality and caring.

Luis Del Pozo Rodriguez
Student
Major: Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship

What are you reading?
I'm reading “Onward” by Howard Schultz. It is a book where Starbuck's founder and CEO makes the brave decision to return to that position when he saw the company lose its vision, clouded by expansion in an economy on the brink of a recession. “Onward” is a great book for anyone looking for the perfect mix of storytelling and business insight.

Who is inspiring you?
In the business world, I am inspired by business leaders whose objective is not only to make money, but to build a great and enduring business based on community and quality inside and out. It inspires me because that's what I aspire to create one day.

What is the best part of your day?
The best part of my day is my morning runs. Having some quiet time during the day is very helpful. The easy runs help me stay disciplined, and the difficult ones humble me and make me more resilient. Having some quiet time during the day is something most people would benefit from.

David Potter
Director, Academic Advising

What are you reading?
“Escape from the Land of Snows,” by Stephen Talty, is the story of a young Dalai Lama’s harrowing flight to freedom and the making of a spiritual hero. It’s an emotionally powerful and irresistible read. It is simultaneously a portrait of a spiritual nation forced to take up arms in defense of its ideas and the saga of an initially childlike ruler who at first wore his monk’s robe uncomfortably but was ultimately transformed by his escape into the towering figure the world knows today — a charismatic champion of free thinking and universal compassion.

The impact of this book serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience we all have within us
and the gift within each of us to improve the human condition.

Who is inspiring you?
My parents. Even though they are both deceased, the values and attitudes they instilled in me dictates my day-to-day motivation and behavior. My advising sessions with students also serve as a means to impart elements of life skills. We as educators, be it administrators, faculty or staff, should serve in the role of mentors for all students.

My parents worked two jobs and sacrificed their personal time and finances to shuttle me to years of athletic team practices and competition without complaint. I was fortunate to have parents who encourage the love and respect of all people regardless of their cultural or educational background. The Golden Rule was a staple of everyday life with my parents.

I am exceptionally grateful that both parents instilled a love of reading at an early age as well as equipping me with a tremendous sense of humor.

To this day, I still encourage my students to thank their parents for their love and sacrifices.

What is the best part of your day?
When I see personal development (including academic success) of students whom I advise – especially when I see their sincere gratitude on their faces, in their voices and even in their emails. That reinforces I am actually having, no matter how miniscule, a positive influence on their lives. If it wasn’t for this positive reinforcement I would not have the same energy and passion for my job. Students constantly remind me that I am still relatable after 40 years in the academic advising milieu and still have gravitas as an advisor and mentor, and yes, sometimes even as a friend.

Advising and counseling students is my small gift to consistently promote and improve the
human condition.

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