Reflection by Principal Professor Carolyn Summerbell

Reflection by College Principal Prof. Carolyn Summerbell

When I reflect on this Term, it is hard not to feel a little sad and frustrated about ‘what might have been’. It has certainly been hard work for us all. Saying that, I think now is the time to remember the importance of gratitude and the incredible leaps in knowledge and practice that have happened at pace, this Term. Research has shown that gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude, (giving and receiving), helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. People feel and express gratitude in multiple ways, but a simple thank you here and there costs nothing apart from a small amount of time. We are entering that period when many young adults get presents from family members, and also from friends and neighbours. You can bring immense joy to others by spending 5-10 minutes writing a note, or picking up the phone, to say thank you, even though you can think of a 100 things you would rather be doing. This Term has shown us that we can develop life-saving medicines at pace, safely. Also, that we can power through a tight schedule of meetings with stakeholders to meet our goals using online platforms, rather than spend vast amounts of time and energy travelling to meetings, and in doing so save energy. We have learnt that pets love lockdown, and that even the coolest of people have now found themselves watching and enjoying Bake-Off and Strictly. We have talked a lot about loneliness this year, particularly for older people living alone. I do hope that some of the efforts by individuals and community groups to connect with these people endure beyond 2020. For some people, the new connections and opportunities for gratitude during 2020 have been a joy. Although we are all desperate for things to get back to normal, we should remember the silver linings.

Have a wonderful time over the winter vacation and, if you celebrate it, Happy Christmas or Happy Hanukkah.