Dec. 20, 2017
“How do you measure, measure a year?” That’s the question asked in a song from one of my favorite musicals, “Rent.” The song goes on to ask, “In daylights? In sunsets? In midnights? In cups of coffee? In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife?” For me, I think there’s about a million different ways to measure a year. I measure mine in all of those things stated in the song and more. In friendships, experiences, trips, conversations, tears, work, memories, wins, losses, writings, late nights, early mornings, health and love.
Of course, as a Spartan, I also measure a year in will – the will it takes to make things happen, get things done, change a life, take a risk and make a difference. And sometimes, just the will it takes to get out of bed and face sadness, disappointment and grief. Every year has ups and downs, but Spartans will always persevere. For me, 2017 offered more than a couple kicks in the pants, but I never gave up. Instead, I dug down, dusted myself off and carried on.
I also measure my years in the success of Spartans all across the globe. I’m lucky that in my job, I see incredible stories about Spartan achievements all the time. They literally land in my inbox on a daily basis. Health discoveries, environmental advances, cool art, scientific innovations, student successes, heart-warming outreach, inspirational stories and even adorable animal tales are part of almost every day of my year. It doesn’t matter what day it is, Spartans are doing something to make the world a better place.
If you want some specifics about how Spartans changed the world in 2017, check out the super cool, fast-paced video in the MSUTODAY FEATURE: 2017 Year in Review. My colleagues, Anthony Siciliano and Ellen Doepke, are wickedly talented and turned our top social media posts and comments into a really fun compilation video. Spend two minutes and 33 seconds of your year to watch it – you won’t be disappointed.
For advertising junior Brittany Thomas, September was a special month in her year. She attended the Multicultural Talent Pipeline in New York City, which focuses on helping students with multicultural backgrounds in the marketing and advertising industries. She was able to attend after being nominated by one of her professors. Check out the STUDENT VIEW: Networking begins inside the classroom, to learn more about her great opportunity.
Amy DeRogatis spent a lot of her year studying the sounds of religion. She also involves her students in what is not a traditional way to research the topic. Check out the short video in the FACULTY VOICE: The sounds of religion, to hear in her own words about her work and how she defines success.
This is my last editor’s note in 2017, but I’ll be back first thing after the new year with my random musings and more cool stories about Spartans. Until then, measure your year in whatever makes sense to you. As you look toward the new year, be kind and compassionate. Be bold and take risks. Keep your mind open and listen. Reach out to others and make someone’s day. Create, learn, study and enjoy. Resolve to use your will for good and all of your minutes with purpose. Spartans Will.
Lisa Mulcrone
Editor, MSUToday
@LMulcrone
Photo by Derrick L. Turner