This week is a one-off entry about one of my favorite college professors and leaving a legacy.

You never know when inspiration will hit.  I had to get my wallet to buy something online and when I opened it, I saw the small card that I have kept with me since I was a senior in college almost 20 years ago.  When I saw it, I smiled, and thought of Professor Skinner, one of my all-time-favorites professors who also happens to be retiring.  This card is from a personal mission statement she had us write in her class, and I’ve had it ever since.

When I think about my time in her class, there are so many things that come to mind.  She cares.  She cares deeply about her students and her goal has always been to help them become better humans.  She was always willing to push and challenge to help you realize your potential.  There is so much I learned from her about being curious, being strong enough to ask for help, and how to think about and develop my personal brand.  Whether it was during college or afterward, she always showed love, support, and challenged to me keep growing.  I am so lucky to have had her as a professor and mentor.

Now let’s make some connections to our topic this week.  Professor Skinner will go down as one of my favorite and most impactful professors I ever had.  I know many of her students that feel the same way.  What an incredible legacy to leave.  It has me thinking about the legacy that I’m building.  How will others feel when they look back at memories of us working together?  What will people say when I retire?  What lasting impact will I have on them?  If I could be a Professor Skinner for other people that would be a tremendous accomplishment in life.

The challenge: What will your legacy be?

Have a jolly good day,

Andrew Embry