‘let’s create, let’s inspire’
Welcome to another Sunday evening, when I suddenly realize the day has passed without my writing a newsletter. You have no idea on how many Saturdays I’ve said, “I could write my newsletter right now,” just to put it off till Sunday, then let the day go by.
But it’s actually been a great writing week, so I won’t be too hard on myself. I found out this week that I placed in a couple categories for the awards hosted by a professional organization I’m part of, and I was accepted into a beloved writing workshop this summer. I’m sure I will share more about both later!
I also had a story published at work this week, and rather than writing much more for you to read about me here, I invite you to read about Esther Ndashaala. We found out in the fall that Esther, one of our Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s graduate students, would be giving the December 2024 commencement address. My boss assigned me to write a feature story about Esther, so I emailed her during graduation week and asked if we could schedule an interview after the holiday break.
Esther responded immediately and asked if we could do the interview the very next day instead.
As a writer, it’s always nice when a subject is that excited to speak with you! Her enthusiasm continued in the half-hour we spent talking over Zoom the following day. Esther has an incredible story and a truly infectious happiness.
Esther smiles at the end of our interview together.
After I finished writing, some of my colleagues edited it and complimented me on the story. I appreciate it, and I am proud of it, but Esther’s interview was so lovely that the story was destined to be good. I hope you’ll read it here.
I’ll end here the same way I ended the story, with a quote from Esther’s commencement address.
“As we celebrate today, let us remember that while this chapter closes, our responsibility to the world is just beginning,” Esther said. “So let’s go out there and make a difference, let’s create, let’s inspire, and let’s leave our mark in ways that make this world healthier, kinder and better for all.”