President Connie Ledoux Book talks about "The Three As" and how they remind us all that we can choose to create different outcomes in our lives.
March 6, 2016, is scribbled on the back page of my journal. I remember thinking, “I need to write down this date.” I had decided to give up artificial sweeteners and it meant several of my favorites were now in the rear view, like Diet Dr Pepper.
A good friend describes the date you take action as the culmination of three steps: awareness, acceptance and action. Fondly referred to as “The Three As:”
- Awareness that you have a challenge.
- Acceptance that you won’t be able to wish it away. In other words, no denying it exists.
- Action that you can make a choice to change the future.
The three As are all around us and visible when we take strategic action to set a new course for our lives and organizations.
First, the Elon community recognized in 2018 that it was imperative that we make historic investments in science, technology, engineering and math (awareness). Global demands and challenges increased the need for STEM professionals, particularly those with a foundation in the arts and humanities. Our innovative core curriculum, which begins with asking students to think globally and provides anchors in the liberal arts, writing excellence and solution-seeking for creating an equitable world, provides a compelling platform for the next generation of STEM professionals (acceptance).
The faculty designed an engineering degree with concentrations in biomedical, computer, environmental and mechanical engineering. The program was accredited in the shortest window possible. The university undertook a $50 million construction project, creating two outstanding buildings to support the new and growing STEM majors. Elon also launched additional scholarship programs, and today we have more than 1,000 students majoring in STEM fields (action).
In this issue you will read about one of the outcomes from these actions in STEM, our first multidisciplinary Formula SAE racing team, Phoenix Racing, and how it earned second place in its inaugural debut in the SAE Carolina Student Night hosted by Hendrick Motorsports, beating several strong competitors such as Duke and N.C. State.
You’ll also read about Elon Law graduate Leah Britt Lanier l’17, who is the youngest N.C. District Court judge currently serving in Robeson County. She developed a passion for advocacy during her undergraduate years (awareness) and attended Elon Law from fall 2014 to spring 2017 (acceptance). With a deep sense of gratitude and connection to the Robeson community, she is changing lives through legal systems like the Recovery Court. This effort allows people with alcohol and drug addictions to map a path to recovery. Leah balances the love she has for her young family with the call to action for her community.
We also visit with Donald Wickline ’02, who shares a 20-years-in-the-making return to Ghana, where he engaged in a deep sense of purpose that began during a study abroad course with Elon faculty member Brian Digre. His initial study abroad experience created awareness, followed by the acceptance that one day he would take action by returning to that beautiful African country.
The Three As are evident at Elon, and I’m certain that they are there in your personal life. It has been more than 3,000 days since March 6, 2016, and I continue to abstain from artificial sweeteners. It’s not always easy, but there are many seltzer water options, so I don’t miss my Diet Dr Pepper too much. Most importantly, each time that I choose something other than my former favorite diet drink, it is a powerful reminder that I have choices in my life and that those choices can create different outcomes. Like Elon University, I’m committed to outcomes that allow me to continue to be in service to a greater mission and purpose in life.