We Are Extraordinary!

 

In the whirlwind of our daily jobs, in the course of focusing on metrics and benchmarks to measure our progress, we sometimes forget to focus on what really matters: helping other people. A few days ago, I received the following e-mail from a mother who was visiting Washington College with her two children. 
 

"This past week I visited Washington College with my rising high school senior and her younger brother. We had an ill-fated trip. The day before, while touring schools in DC, I lost my wallet. I could access limited cash through on-line transfer to my kid's debit accounts, so we soldiered on with college visits. While at Washington College, my car broke down. I had no identification, no credit cards and limited cash. I took the cue from my car and broke down.

"As I cried openly under a tree, a Washington College employee immediately approached and asked if I needed help. Within the next 15 minutes we were offered assistance by 4 individuals. We received offers to spend the night in their homes and to front the money for car repairs. Again, I wish I had names. One was a gentleman with campus security, two were staff members (I think) and one a faculty member who teaches a course in global writing. She occupied my daughter with tremendous information about the college.
 "With the aid of a local garage, summoned by campus security, we got the car going and were on our way. The generosity of your staff, however, cannot go without comment. I was thrilled today (safe and sound back home in Oxford, Ohio) to be approached by a man whose car was out of gas and debit card not working. I was able to pay for his gas and send him on his way. It was an honor to repay my debt to your folks in some small way.

 "I needed to let you know about our experience. We also found the one-on-one college tour to be a terrific experience. The campus is beautiful, the programs appealing, but nothing will stick in our minds as much as the kindness of the people. Please thank them for us."

As you can imagine, this brought a tear to my eye. I could not have been more proud of the quality of individuals at Washington College and the shared sense that each of us plays a vitally important role in the life and reputation of this institution. All of us at the College, and all of our alumni and friends around the country, should be gratified by the care, attention and generosity that were extended to a family while they were so far from home and in need. This is who we are at Washington College. This is why we are extraordinary.