RMAG President’s Letter

By Cat Campbell

I never say goodbye, because saying goodbye means going away, and going away means forgetting.

—PETER PAN

I remember the last day of camp, summer 2001, my first (and last) year as a sleep away camp counselor, the owners of the camp blasted Green Day’s song, "Time of Your Life." I thought it fitting; the lyrics embraced the vast emotions we were all experiencing. “So take the photographs and still frames in your mind, Hang it on a shelf in good health and good time…” I smiled as my campers packed their things and we said our farewells. When it was just the staff, we looked up the lyrics to clarify some of the words and saw the actual name of the song: Good Riddance. I’m sticking with my sunnier interpretation of the meaning behind playing the song and accepting that, “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end is right, I hope you had the time of your life.”

I can’t believe it’s been a year since our 2021 board of directors stepped into their roles, and now it’s time to announce the 2022 board and say our farewells to a few officers. Good Riddance is not the song I plan to blast as we exit our last virtual meeting, perhaps something along the lines of Rhianna’s "Farewell," Semisonic’s "Closing Time," or "Here Comes the Sun" (thanks Beatles).

It’s hard to imagine January: Courtney won’t be patiently reminding me that my column was due last week. Rebecca won’t kindly respond to some crazy idea with, “well, it’s a fun idea, but how are we going to pay for it? Maybe we can budget next time?” Jeff and Rob will probably wonder why their stream of incoming emails is suddenly cut in half (really you guys, you are amazing). Jessica won’t have to keep track of the many conversation paths that occur during our monthly board meetings. I won’t get to hear the humor of Nate’s and Pete’s committee meeting summaries, Mike’s amazing attitude that kept us going on some of the more epic meetings or Mark’s play by play social media action. Thank you 2021 BOD, from the bottom of my heart, you guys truly were amazing. This was a tough year on many levels, but I know RMAG and each of us is coming out stronger!

This brings up my next topic: What is next?

The only real problem in life is what to do next.

ARTHUR C CLARKE

Personally on the volunteer front, I plan to join Donna and the Outreach committee, and of course continue injuring myself while coaching under 8 soccer and teaching community yoga, but I think that’s it! 2022 will be focused on career, family, and reconnecting with my friends who have morphed into mentors this year. It’s time for a glass of wine instead of a frantic text or email or lap around Golden.

For RMAG, you my dear society are in good hands. May your 100th birthday lead you into new adventures, broaden your horizons, and bring geology into the world. I cannot wait to see where RMAG’s initiatives lead. From the work on diversity, branching out into all aspects of geology, and really connecting with members to be sure RMAG is what its members need, RMAG is on a good path.

I could fill this entire column with thank you's to recognize the support I received this past year stepping into this role for RMAG, but the biggest recognition goes out to you. Thank you for having faith in me to lead RMAG in its 99th year. It was truly an honor and I really hope to see you in person at some point in 2022.

Is "Time Of Your Life" on constant repeat in your head? Just checking, because I am coming back to this column a few days later, still singing it.

“For what it’s worth, it was worth all the while.”