Ready, set, go!

It's hard to believe that August is here and the start of the fall semester is rapidly approaching!  This time of year reminds me of a relay race as we finish our summer classes and get ready for the fall semester.  (Think Olympics!)   Like a 4x400 relay, we are entering into our second leg of race with the start of the fall semester. 

The first leg of the race is the summer.  During the summer, the pace of the upcoming race and academic year is set.  This is a time when all your preparation starts to pay off as you move into the academic year and the 2nd leg of the relay.

The fall semester is like the second leg of the relay. All the excitement of a new semester, new students, new faculty, new classes and new possibilities is when you know the race can be won. A strong second leg of the relay sets the tone and pace for the your success.

The 3rd leg of the relay is the winter break between the fall and spring semester.  This is a time when you have to pace yourself, get into a rhythm and focus on the next leg of the race.Your will to finish the race can be tested but the finish line is in sight.  Preparation for the last leg of the race comes into play to ensure your success.

The spring semester is the last leg of the race. This is a time when races (and academic careers) can be won or lost.  Focus is key as you head to the finish line (the end of the academic year or better-yet, graduation!) A strong start, and a stronger finish, will make all the hard work worthwhile! 

Your goals are at the end of the finish line. A new career, a promotion, graduate school or moving to the next class level are your rewards for completing the race.

Start strong, finish strong!

"I Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best."
- Al Oerter (Gold medal winner - 1956, 1960, 1964, 1968)