Things that made my Monday a little bit better...

Mondays are hard. And we are at that point in the semester when Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and even Sundays are hard. 

But yesterday, I found myself slightly less defeated than I do on most Mondays. Trust me, this wasn't from having a relaxing productive weekend. Nor was it from having a relaxing productive Monday. I think I just had a couple moments of inspiration, awe, and excitement that kept me running. Sometimes, that's even better than coffee. (Sometimes)First, I started my Monday with my news. Usually, that's pretty depressing. We are arguing with Iran. Boko Haram is acting like a jerk again. Basketball is monopolizing my television. But! I have started reading a news aggregate that makes everything fun! Every morning (except Saturdays and Sundays), I get a "Skimmed" email with all the big stories in the best, most sarcastic and snarky way possible. I'm seriously obsessed. Sign up! It's free! Tell all your friends! And your mom! (I think we all know that our moms need more sarcasm in their lives). http://www.theskimm.com/Enjoy! 

My Monday continued with some good 'ole bigotry and discrimination. I've never been to Indiana but I think it's the ugliest state in the US (You know, other than the other dozen states with similar laws). As heartbreaking and infuriating as it is that Indiana has prioritized "religious freedom" over discrimination and violations of basic human rights, it's moving and exhilarating to watch states, companies, and communities come together to show their disapproval and to do everything they can to ensure that the state of Indiana does not profit from discriminatory laws. Now, let's keep an eye on Arkansas and North Carolina! 

http://time.com/3763622/connecticut-state-travel-indiana-religious-freedom-law/http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/yelp-ceo-response-indiana-religious-freedom-law-116454.html
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/san-francisco-travel-ban-indiana-religious-freedom-bill-116469.html

Finally, I went to work. Now, normally my job as a Phonathon caller is tolling and not very enjoyable. (if you've ever yelled at a telemarketer who was just trying to make a living, shame on you).  But last night, I called a man who went to WAC in the 1940s. About half way through the conversation I asked him what is was like to be in college during a time period that was so tumultuous in American history. That's when he told me that he was only in school for a year. In 1944 he enlisted and served in WWII in Italy. He told me that he lost his best friend but he didn't say much else about his experience. After thanking him for his service, his time, and his support of the college (yes, he gave), I ended the call and did a quick google search of this man. My 92 year old friend had not only served in the war, he was captured, tortured, and held until liberation. 

Many alumni don't even want to talk to me when I call them asking for gifts to the college. Some yell at me. Some ignore my calls. And a small percentage give. My friend gave up his college education, his best friend, and eventually his legs for our country. Still, without his own college education, he donates to a fund that supports students 65 years younger than him get an education. That's better than coffee.