Faculty and Staff Reflections

Let me start by saying that I have a very close affinity to the class of 2022, as I started as an adjunct faculty member the same semester most of you started at Bryant. So while I did not attend Bryant for my schooling, I sort of feel very much part of your class. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to be considered a ‘2022 Bulldog’.

As those of you who’ve honored me by attending my classes, I am not a life-long academic. I spent a good part of my life in the ‘workworld’. I worked for various companies doing a lot of different things, but my heart was always pushing me to the world of education.

About 15 years ago, I found out that colleges were hiring people with experience to teach courses as ‘adjunct’ or ‘part-time’ faculty members. All that was required was a Masters degree, which I quicky and excitedly earned. Within a year after that, I was in my first college teaching role – as an adjunct professor at Northeastern University in the Masters program for project management. And now, 12 years later, I am doing what my heart always wanted me to do, and I have to tell you… I have one VERY SMART HEART!

There’s a saying that if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I’ve been at Bryant for 4 years now, and I can honestly say I’ve never worked a single day here. I love what I do, and it’s all because of you. You’ve accepted me into your world and made me feel like what I do is important. And so many of you have given me your trust and that means more to me than you can imagine.

I want to tell a personal story about teaching. My very first class at Northeastern, and I mean the first night I taught my first session, immediately at the end of class one of the students came to my desk and said “Professor, would you have some time to chat with me about my career?” I was still a ‘working world’ manager, but in my 3+ decades of working with and managing people, I never had anyone I just met ask me to help them with their career. I knew at that instant I was where I needed to be. And thanks to Bryant and to you, that’s where I am today.

I’ve said a lot about myself, so now it’s time to talk to you. Many of you already have a job; some of you are very close; and some are just starting to look. Doesn’t matter… you will find something. You will hopefully find something both personally and financially rewarding. And chances are you’ll do things in your career you never imagined would happen. (I’d be rich if just five of you sent me a dollar every time you use the phrase ‘I didn’t learn that in school’.) What I want is for you to remember a few important things.

First, there’s a reason it’s called ‘work’. You may find yourself doing something that inspires and motivates you, and that would be great. But chances are you’ll have days when you just wish you were doing something else. That’s ok. Just remember that what you DO is not who you ARE. The idea of work-life balance is not just about time (40 hours at work vs. time at home). It’s about recognizing that what you do is just a piece of who you are as a person. Make sure you give the person as much – if not more – attention than you as a worker.

Second, start paying it forward TODAY! Think back 4 years and how coming on campus for the first time as a Bryant bulldog was probably a very intimidating experience. Sure, you looked like you had it all together – you don’t want to show any weaknesses – but the fact was that on the inside, you were hoping someone who knew the ropes would be there to support you. In your time left at Bryant, be that someone that a younger student can count on for support. There’s a saying from John C. Maxwell which means a lot to me. He says “No one stands taller in the climb to success than when he bends over to help someone else.” That’s a message you can put into practice while still at Bryant, but more importantly something you should do the rest of your life.

Third, during our life every one of us takes on many roles, most of which describe what we are doing at the time. I am a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, volunteer, traveler, and so on. You are a son or daughter, brother or sister, cousin, friend, student, employee, club member, athlete, etc. But while all of these things can be used to describe you, none of them ARE you. Who you are is what you bring to each of these ‘roles’. As you continue into a new phase of your life’s journey – the working world – remember that you must be true to who you are. Don’t take a job unless you feel YOU can be who you are. Will you love every job you have… no. But I can guarantee that if you have to be someone different than you are, you will not be happy. On the other hand, if you find a job where you can be yourself, it will go a long way to making every day a good day.

Very soon (if not already) you’ll finally get a chance to walk through the Bryant Archway and not have to worry about a dip in the pond. That symbolic gesture will lead you to one of the most important days of your life, when you, your friends and your family share in recognizing a great personal achievement. Be grateful to everyone who helped make it happen; but save some of that positive feeling for yourself. YOU’VE accomplished something truly special, and you deserve to walk across the graduation stage with your head high and an ear-to-ear grin on your face.

Congratulations class of 2022!!! We are all honored that you let us be part of your life. Now go make the world a better place for all of us.

Jarely Paulino Diaz - Staff Reflection

Congratulations Class of 2022!

As some of you know, I am more of a listener than a writer, so I have spent a great deal of time pondering the words I wanted to send you off with. When I first started working at Bryant University, I was impressed by the many opportunities this campus offers its students and have had the great pleasure of working alongside many of you in various student leadership roles. Furthermore, the dedication and passion I’ve witnessed you all display has been truly exceptional.

Many of you have been engaged in a multitude of internships since your sophomore year. You have had access to top performing, innovative companies such as Hasbro, Fidelity and Amica to name a few. Though you may have earned an intern wage for full-time labor, the experiences and connections you have made through these opportunities are boundless. A recent article stated that upon graduation, a whopping ninety-nine percent of you are employed or enrolled in post-graduate studies. This data shows that powerhouse companies and graduate programs across the country know that the education and credentials you’ve received while earning your degree at Bryant University is worth investing in.

You all have continuously impressed me with the way you show up as leaders on this campus. From the International Student Organization curating such an intentional i2i performance to the Multicultural Student Union for serving fresh looks from young trendsetters, creative minds and entrepreneurs to Student Government for noticing a need for further conversations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion and creating a space for honest discussion. Class of 2022, you have truly surpassed my expectations.

As you move on to the next chapter, I’d like to shout out some of the leaders that challenged me, made me laugh and have helped me grow.

To my first-generation college graduates, congratulations! You did it. Your family and friends are proud of you and will continue to encourage you as you move forward to bigger and better opportunities. Take up space, make space and be a mentor - another young person needs you. As you navigate this new path in life, identify what drives you and persevere every day.

To my Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants and Center for Diversity and Inclusion leaders, the legacy you are leaving behind will live forever. Your concern and integrity were apparent every day and, in every event, you put on. I am confident that your dedication to inclusivity in any space will make future teammates and associates feel welcomed and valued.

Thank you, Class of 2022, for allowing me to be part of your journey here at Bryant. I hope you know you were noticed, heard, and appreciated for your contributions to making this campus a more inclusive and welcoming community. Congratulations, you earned it :-)

Stay curious, Jarely

Dear Bryant University Class of 2022,

Congratulations!

You’ve got this. I know you’ve heard it before, but it really is true.

When you started at Bryant University, way back in the “before times” you were hopeful older kiddos setting out on your college journey. You were excited to make new friends, learn at a whole new level, and forge ahead towards your future. Yeah, you were worried about things and those “before times” worries were valid and still are. Top of mind were things like getting good grades, choosing your major, figuring out how to balance being successful in school and having fun too.

You had a full first year at Bryant with no masks or social distancing. You packed yourselves together for events and games and parties (and studying). You smiled at each other, you did, I remember, and you got to see those smiles in real life.

And then you had to pivot. We all had to pivot. Do you remember how many times you heard the word pivot in 2020? And in 2021 for that matter? Pivoting to not return to Bryant’s campus for the remainder of your spring semester sophomore year. A pivot to online learning only. A pivot to electronic textbooks, digital readings, streaming films in classes, and your friends and professors showing up on screens. “In Real Life” was on pause. And then we pivoted again. This time to masking and classes in huge spaces on campus and sanitizer and 6 feet and hybrid.

While all of this was unfolding in every aspect of your lives – globally, nationally, locally and in your Bryant back yard - you were having your college experience. You were learning, creating, collaborating, and innovating in your classes, co-curriculars and beyond. You were running virtual clubs and organizations, conducting remote research with faculty, and working remote internships. You were watching what was happening in the world with business, politics, science, and social justice movements. You became entrepreneurs and social and environmental activists. You became artists and readers, and we all binge-watched a lot of streaming media. You were also perfecting your smize (smiling with your eyes) and figuring out how to party and live your best life, its still college after all.

Your “before times” worries never went away, instead you got to add concerns about pandemics and family health and financial security. This is a lot. But here’s the thing. You did it. You totally did it. You are here, now, graduating from college. This is not to say that it was easy, the events that unfolded and the experiences that you share as the Bryant University Class of 2022 are nothing that anyone could have prepared for. You pivoted, many times, and here you are, moving on to the next thing and flourishing.

You learned so very much in your years at Bryant, more than many have in the years before you and perhaps more than those who will come after. You learned important academic subject matter and professional skills. You learned to think critically and how to ask questions to solve problems. You also learned that unexpected things can happen. You watched the Bryant community work together to search for solutions to keep us safe and to get us as close to normal as possible. You have learned that you can survive and even thrive in times that may feel dark and unending.

I know that you learned all of this because I was there, and I saw it happen. I watched as you supported each other and came together as a community. You rose to the challenges that were presented and you pivoted. Even in 2022, we’re still pivoting. Most of all, I know that you’ve got this. You’ve got the abilities, the determination, the persistence, the empathy, and the strength that you need to go out into the world and do the things you put your mind to. You will work to make a difference in your communities, and you will not shrink in the face of unexpected challenges or adversity because you know how to handle it. I’ve seen you do it, just pivot… you’ve got this.

Laura Kohl

Director of Library Services