MCC Daily Tribune

Quotes That Inspire

Like Professor Emeritus of Law and Criminal Justice Joe Sturnick, I've always loved the following quote:

"I touch the future. I teach." -- Christa McAuliffe, teacher from Concord, New Hampshire, and one of the seven crew members killed in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster

Joe shares, "I've always loved this quote not only because of its truth, but it's comforting reassurance when I wonder if I am making any impression on my students. We teachers, like parents, plant seeds that we don't always see grow."

Even though my 25 years in academic administration now out distance my 20 years in the classroom, my professional identity remains that of an educator. In fact, my perspective of community college professionals is that we all contribute to the education of our students, some more directly than others. But it truly takes the functions we all contribute to get our students across that graduation stage.

We all touch the future. And, as Joe shares from his emeritus chapter, that reminder can comfort us in the face of challenging times even though we may not get to see the seeds we plant grow.

Thank you for your hard work this week. Enjoy your weekend.

Is there a quote that inspires you to "touch the future"? If so, submit it along with a brief narrative about why the quote resonates for you to PresOffice@monroecc.edu. "Quotes That Inspire" are shared with colleagues on Fridays in the MCC Daily Tribune.

Katherine Douglas
Office of the President
08/14/2020