My Last Song

...treat my first like my last. This may be my final blog posting. Ever. I cannot tell the future and am much more atuned to speaking of the past. With that, I wanted to take the opportunity for some mild reflection of the journey that has been my CRM candidacy.

While I cannot speak of the time before my arrival, I can attest that GW is effectively integrating the value of ethical management into the curriculum. There have been times when I wish it was more explicit, and there were time that I wish it was more strictly adhered to, but on the whole, I have been impressed.

It began with Fort's carols that challenged us to identify all options at an ethical crossroads, and evolved to JGriff's CSR that aligned those decisions with a framework and helped identify the intent behind the behavior. I have seen the harm of cynism and the benefit of "doing the right thing." And it was in my Cross Cultural Managment class that I learned that this idea of what is "right" varies widely across borders. We all act logically, just based on different sets of assumptions. Those word ring true.

I have also enjoyed the service work that assisted my integration into the DC community. While it was often difficult to track, I had the opportunity to visit new areas of the city and see the tangible benefits of my work.

The blog has been a challenge. I fear that it has largely, if not completely, gone unread, but that is not to say that it is without benefit. The self-management that comes from reliving the intent of one's work serves great purpose.

I feel privileged to be among the inaugural candidates for this certificate and applaud those who have worked hard to introduce it. The CRM program is a great asset for GWSB.

To Love and Be Loved

For what other reason are we on this Earth? One particular organization argues, little more than to love and be loved. I recently became aware of a young organization that is doing great things. To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit group that strives to increase the assistance and awareness of those affected by depression and suicidal thoughts.

Started as the brainchild of a single individual, TWLOHA has become an international campaign that brings difficult conversations to the forefront and reminds people they are never alone. By creating this dialogue of acceptance and unity, the organization has been able to assist thousands of individuals in nearly 50 countries.

And the campaign is gaining traction. TWLOHA produces merchandise with varying messages of LOVE and HOPE and the mere site of these words helps remind people that they are out there. Backed by many bands on tour, the group was just covered in the most recent Rolling Stone Magazine. There are so many great organizations out there doing incredible things and they stand to learn from each other.

More awareness translates into more support, more support changes the world. To support TWLOHA, check out their website, donate, purchase some of the well-messaged merch, and most importantly, be there. Be there for yourself and for each other. So often as priviled students, so absorbed in the seemingly inexhaustable drama of our own lives, it is easy to overlook the smiles that aren't there.

If you're reading this, then you're still there and that means a lot. So smile, take a deep breath, look people in the eye, tell them what they mean to you, and mean it. I dare you.