The cycle of back-to-school is upon us once again. For years, we have lived across from an elementary school. Although our children are long past school age, I so enjoy the back-to-school rituals we observe this time of the year. The energy and enthusiasm of the young students is just uplifting. They run to the school building. They hang on their teachers. With a few exceptions, they are clearly embracing the process of learning. It’s a joy to watch.

Somewhere along the way, many of us lose that enthusiasm for embracing the day. Unless in danger of being hit by a car, or missing the "walk" light at the cross-walk, most of us don’t run to the building at the start of our day. We can drag reluctantly when we go into new training. As leaders of the people side of health care, maybe it would be good to pause and reflect on what we can learn from the elementary students. How can we help people find joy in the work they come to do? How do we help them remember that feeling of the excitement when conquering some new challenge? How do we, again, energize them to bring the very best they can to this important work of health care? Maybe we start with ourselves.

Take this moment to pause and think about what new challenge might you conquer to remember that feeling of accomplishment once more. Once you have an idea in mind, check out how ASHHRA can help you get there. The website is full of resources. Mentors (and mentees) can be powerful teachers. The annual conference is full of formal – and informal – educational opportunities. If you plan to come to Chicago and join us at the conference, I invite you to find me there and tell me about the challenge you are tackling. I know that connecting with other like-minded and talented people is what brings me joy!