Letter from the President of Dixie Technical College

Kelle Stephens President of Dixie Technical College

The Law of the Harvest Goes Well Beyond the Garden.

If you think you would like to plant peas in your garden this year, it may be too late, even if you planted them today. In the greater St. George area, peas must be planted in February when it’s still nice and cool so that they can be enjoyed in April and May before it gets too hot. You have to plan ahead, prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and care for the plants before you enjoy the peas.

Gardeners understand this law of the harvest very well. Timing is critical; you reap what you sow. It doesn’t work any other way.

The law of the harvest applies to much more than your garden. For example, you can’t just decide to get a job as an electrician unless you have already enrolled in a registered apprenticeship program, such as the one offered at Dixie Tech. Then, you must spend three

or four years working under a licensed electrician during the day and attending class at night in order to test and obtain your own license to become a residential or commercial electrician.

Similarly, to become an auto technician, diesel technician, drafter, medical assistant, certified nurse assistant, bio-lab technician, app developer, or other professional, you must first plant the seed and put in the time and effort to develop the knowledge and skill set required. Most of these programs bear fruit early, often a year or less.

There is never a better time to plant the seed for a better career than right now. The months and years will come and go, and you can either have that better career or not. It’s all up to you. If you’ve been thinking about what you’d like to do with your life, I encourage you to come up to Dixie Tech, take a tour, and apply for a program that is the best fit for you. Plant and nurture the seed of a new career, and soon you’ll find yourself enjoying the fruit. In this case, “reaping what you sow” is doing work for which you are well prepared and that you love. It’s richly rewarding. Plant today so that next year at this time, you’ll find yourself fully enjoying the harvest!

Kelle StephensPresident of Dixie Technical College