"Looking back - Thinking forward"

Time, what is it, and where does it go? Ever stop to wonder about the fleeting moments that make up a lifetime? As I get older life feels more hectic, time rushes by quicker and the years seem compressed and shorter. Is it because time is relative to age, and the longer we live the less a year is in the overall percentage of time? I do not know the answer, but I do know that this year has literally flown by, and now here I am a year older, another summer, winter and another Christmas season have past.

One thing that I have always tried to do is take time to enjoy life, to savor the moment whatever it may be. I love to checkout the sunset, or lay back and watch the sky, or watch a child play, or close my eyes in the warm spring sun and absorb the fresh smells of new growth, or watch the fresh snow cover the ground in a blanket of white. I have learned to never take anything for granted and to be thankful for the things I have in my life and the opportunities that exist - that exist everywhere, everyday, every minute. Yes, I admit that I am an optimist, but I like that and it helps me cope with life and with change.

Time and change - what are they to our students? How can we be a factor in how their time is spent and how their attitudes are formed? We play an important role as educators, a demanding and giving role that can really impact students and help change their perception of life and learning.

Many of you may have heard about the recent changes in my life; I am no longer in the classroom. I accepted a position on main campus at Lethbridge Community College as the Team Leader of the Access Centre. This is an academic administration position basically equivalent to being a Dean. I have a number of different program areas and four off campus sites including the Lethbridge Correctional Centre that I am responsible for. This means that I am still involved in Correctional Education and I still get to participate in ACEA.

After much thought and discussion, I tendered my resignation as ACEA President at the last Executive meeting. This was done for personal reasons, but more importantly it was a matter of succession planning to ensure continuity of leadership in our association. Randall Wright has assumed the President's role (as per the constitution), I will remain as Past President and Jacob Varghese was appointed acting Vice President - and will remain current Treasurer.