Student Affairs Newsletter The official Student Affairs newsletter Pace University PLV & NYC
October 2021 Volume 1 | No. 3
New York City Residential Life staff ready to check students into the residence halls
DEAN CARPENTER’S CORNER The Power of Challenge When we face incredibly challenging times, we may just wish the days away – fast forward (or rewind) to an easier time beyond all the drama, risk, frustrations, and pressure. But in doing so, what lessons and experiences do we risk losing? We’ve each had very challenging moments, days, and weeks. This too shall pass – but don’t forget the lessons. Last year on November 6, 2020, I wrote the following journal entry: “No one remembers easy. Graphic details of a suicide of student on leave. Attempted suicide by another. One suicidal ideation resulting in hospitalization. Two drug searches – one arrested for admitted dealing. One unexpected demand of a written communication re: post-election safety with 36 hours to draft. 24 hours to change COVID-19 testing requirements for residential students pre-Thanksgiving break…only to have those changes reversed 2 days later by Governor. New quarantine mandate announced – 2 days later international students not covered. 1 day later they are covered. One social justice rally. One Election Day. One delayed birthday dinner with colleagues. One week. Five days. No one remembers easy.” I’m not glorifying the difficult or assigning value to only the challenging times. But I am asking that you look at what you have accomplished. YOU did that. You ARE doing it. You’ve got THIS. I BELIEVE in you. Sometimes the tough times make us appreciate our own abilities, our colleagues, and our quieter times. Be kind to yourself. Rachel S. Carpenter | Interim University Dean for Students for NYC and Pleasantville Campuses