Jason's Blog

Well Prepared for the Wonderful World!

Blog Entry for March 26, 2010

Dear Friends,

I hope you are each well! For the past few years, most of us have spent quite a bit of time on the main campus of the University of Calgary. Together, we have gone to classes, lectures, labs, musical performances, drama presentations, DINOS games, research presentations, and a multitude of venues to "unwind" from a hard week of classes.  But for many of us, the next few months will bring change to our lives. We may be going into new academic programs for continued education, or into the workforce to apply our knowledge, or even traveling to a new country to broaden our horizons.

Wherever we go, I believe we have been well prepared.

First, the University has made us competent in our chosen field of study. Through lectures, presentations, laboratories, seminars and tutorials, we have learned the basics and enough details to carry us into the future.

Second, our time at the University of Calgary has developed our character. Whether we have noticed it or not, we have gained independence, come to a better understanding of personal responsibility, and developed the qualities of our character necessary for success in the real world.

Finally, the University environment has developed our team chemistry. We have learned how to work on teams, how to collaborate with people from within and outside our discipline, and the difference between the teams we lead and those in which we follow.

In my own life, I have been fortunate to visit 3 university campuses over the past 2 weeks: Stanford University, the University of Alberta and our own University of Calgary. While each one had its own flavor and culture, I was able to engage with students and faculty in each environment. This was largely due to the foundation that the University of Calgary has given me, and it is the same foundation that has been given to each student!

I know that some of you will be visiting other campuses, companies, businesses, volunteer organizations, sports leagues and various places in preparation for the transitions coming in your own lives. I want to encourage you on these journeys: the University of Calgary has prepared you well for the challenges in the real world by developing your competency, character and team chemistry.

We may be a young institution, but we are one of the most innovative, passionate and fastest growing in the country.

The world is a big place, but the world is a good place. The University of Calgary has prepared us well for the road ahead, and it is exciting to be walking into the future with you.

All the best,

Jason Motkoski

View previous entries here.