Perspective…what an interesting word. Am I being sarcastic? Maybe a little, but don’t you agree it’s a bit ambiguous? I mean people are open to defining it however they want. When I think harder about the word, perhaps its definition is confusing to me because perspective comes down to experience and how you navigate through life (or try to, that is) and that can vary considerably.

Why am I bringing this topic up? Well, I have to confess that I am in a Bearcat class that will have an anniversary this year at homecoming…it’s been a whopping FIVE years since we graduated, which is CRAZY to me. Now, for those of you older alums, yes, I’m being dramatic, but those five years are roughly a fifth of my life.

So as I was thinking about homecoming, while I am excited to return home, I can’t help but feel some sadness. I can’t stop my mind from wondering where is the time going? How have I let this many years go by without being more involved? What have I been missing out on with graduates from my class? And as my attention was fixated on this endless loop of questions, I suddenly realized: I don’t have to think like this. Granted, I know I’ll continue to feel nostalgic about it, but I need to focus on the good times that have happened since leaving Saint Vincent. I need to dwell on the fact that I will get to see my friends very soon, and even though we will have to go back to our separate lives, we still maintain our relationships. I’m finally understanding that even though you might have some hesitations or concerns or negative feelings about a situation, those undesirable aspects don’t have to permeate your overall emotions.

For example, at age 27 and for the first time in my life, I locked my keys in the car. I realized it immediately and started to become very angry at myself. Then I paused. I reassured myself that I had no immediate meetings or work deadlines, so I could take the time to deal with this and remain calm, cool and collected (HA). Am I still embarrassed that I had to call AAA for this? Of course, but when I look back, it doesn’t bother me as much as other, similar mistakes where I did not take a breath. I’m telling you, I’m just now understanding it, but perspective is super important.

Kudos to those who have the gift of turning anything into a positive; that is certainly impressive! For those who have to work at shifting perspective though, I admit it is a challenge, but I truly believe it’s a game changer. Now, I confess…I feel as though I’m middle-school level with practicing some sort of spin, at best. However, I encourage others who feel lik

e “old” alumni or those who don’t have a job they love or those who happen to make a mistake, to pause, breathe and reach into the depths of your mind for a positive. It might be supremely buried, but it’s in there. Onward, Bearcats.

B. Wimmer demonstrating a forward perspective during a simpler time in Language and Rhetoric Seminar with Macie Quarles, Olivia Sharkey, Dr. Gloria Kerr, and Brittany Bowen – circa 2009