This is the time of year that marks milestones for many. It is graduation time, end of school year and beginning of summer. It means vacations, road trips and a wedding or two. 

As I attended the high school graduations of my niece and nephew, I thought about the time ahead of them to prepare for their life careers — Cheyanne focusing on teaching at the elementary school level and Tommy following in his father’s footsteps as an aeronautical engineer. Each a worthy and lofty career goal.

What a wonderful time in their lives, looking forward to the possibilities and dreams open to them. Each of their lives being molded by their educators, professionals and leaders with whom they come into contact. I thought of them today as I met with an employee who is facing the opposite challenge in her life. She is in the middle of her cancer treatment and needs just a few more weeks of leave in the hopes of eradicating her illness. A difficult conversation at best and one that most of us have faced in our careers.

 

I found myself overwhelmed by the charge we are given and the human condition of each individual we interact with each and every day. Some are in the beginning of their careers, some seasoned and others moving up to loftier positions. And some ... just surviving. We are more than the policies and procedures; we are more than compensation strategies; we are more than benefit structures or the strategic plans. We are the keepers of secrets, we are shoulders to lift others' troubles and we are human.

 

So as we witness the launch of a family member or friend into another chapter of their lives — whether it be moving to university life, creating a new life as a couple, having a baby, moving out on their own or in the last season of their life — let’s hope that others who are keepers of our loved ones in the workplace, university, community or health care facility have someone who will be their keepers of secrets when needed, shoulders to lift and comfort them by being human.

Here’s to all the keepers of secrets, the strong shoulders and the human kindness. Here’s to Human Resources!

Have a wonderful summer.