Nov. 19, 2024
Welcome to week 13!
Way to go! Keep going! Keep it up! Next week is the super short week of fall break!
You’ll have some time to rest and recuperate!
How are you doing and more importantly for today, how are your relationships helping
you to get to your goals? Do you need to take inventory? Think about who or what is
helping you stick to your plan to do your best, and who or what is making it harder.
I’m not talking about your familial commitments. If you have kids or you are caring
for a sick or elderly family member, this just adds incline to your path; you are
my hero for carrying all you do.
Some of us, however, have elective relationships with people we love, and bless them,
they suggest the next episode on Netflix, and the next, and the next. They suggest
going shopping or out for drinks when instead, we should be studying. We love them
and we love spending time with them, but they can also be a distraction. If you are
wavering, suggest a time after your work is done. Don’t lose focus. Put the time in;
there is no shortcut. Stick to your successful habits each and every day. Thank your
friends and loved ones for supporting you in this very long journey. Tell them you
need their support through the final stretch ahead. You’re going to do great - but
it has been a long journey to this point.
Higher education semesters aren’t structured into 16-week units because they represent
natural lengths of time for learning. They are not naturally an easy length for us
to stay engaged and organized. The semester is built this way because it requires
sustained focus and persistence of effort. The higher education calendar is built
this way to challenge you. Do you feel challenged?
Earning your four-year degree demonstrates your ability to rise repeatedly to this
challenge. On the way to finishing your degree, with help from your support team,
you will overcome six, eight, or even more semesters in your tour of higher education.
Each time, you’ll get stronger and more practiced. You are building stamina and pacing
skills. You’re doing it! Your support team is helping you get there!
Four things:
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Have you registered yet?! If not, connect with your advisor and get registered for
spring 2024. It will feel great to have this behind you and you’ll carry less stress
through the break.
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Finals. They begin Monday, Dec. 9. Don’t stress. Instead,
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Find time to take care of yourself. Breathe. Enjoy Alaska. If you are close to the
Troth Yeddha’ campus here in Fairbanks, go for a ski or an evening walk on the illuminated
trails (). They start near the Akasofu building and the snow-covered trees are amazingly beautiful
by the ski-trail lights.
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Go downhill skiing or snowboarding. This year we have partnered with Moose Mountain
and Ski Land to offer discounted day passes for both mountains. If you plan to ski
this winter, check out this link for details on how to get a lift ticket for only $10. There are a limited number
of tickets available each day, so plan ahead. This deal is not available at the mountain.
With the great weather, it is a great time to take advantage of this awesome opportunity!Ìý
In closing, thank your supporters – help them, help you!
As ever, if you have suggestions to send my way, please do so. I’m at: obguthrie@alaska.edu.
— Owen Guthrie, vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management
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