R. J. Letourneau, in his book "Mover of Men and Mountains," says, "I always try to shovel out more for God than God shovels out for me. But God always wins; He's got a bigger shovel."
While it may not be fair to compare our Rocky Mountain Association to God, there is an analogy here. No matter how hard we work, no matter how dedicated we are, and no matter how much we do on behalf of RMASFAA and its members --- no matter how much we 'shovel out' --- RMASFAA has a bigger shovel! What we get back is a thousand-fold over what we contribute.
This came to my mind so clearly when my name was spoken in Bismarck announcing me as the first recipient of the "Ron Smout Mentoring and Teaching Award." I am very humbled and very honored. Ron Smout was a friend to both Marty and me. We enjoyed his company and we always learned from him.
I know that this award could have gone to any number of individuals who have given so much of themselves without regard to personal glory or fame. Thank you each and every member, for it is all of us using our 'shovels' wisely, enthusiastically, effectively, and unselfishly that allows this association to have such a BIG shovel.
When you say or do something, you never know what kind of impact it might have on someone's life --- and that can be in a positive or negative way. Several of you reminded me with testimonials such as these:
- "Here I was, brand new to financial aid and I didn't know a soul. You came over, introduced yourself, and asked me to join you and your group for dinner. What a difference that made for me."
- "You believed in me and asked me to take a leadership role in Summer Institute. With that encouragement, I went on to eventually become President of RMASFAA."
- "Because of my talk with you, I decided to finish my bachelor's degree so I could move from a financial aid counselor position to a financial aid director position."
So, everyone, keep on 'shoveling' the good stuff; you will be re-paid many times over.
I'll close with a poem I heard very early in my financial aid career. It was recited by Lee Noel of Noel-Levitz. I've committed it to memory and share it with you here.
Builders for Eternity
Isn't it strange that Princes and Kings
And Clowns that caper in sawdust rings
And common people like you and me
Are builders for eternity
To each is given a bag of tools,
A mass of clay, a book of rules
And each must build, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping-stone.
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