Holiday Greetings

12/19/22

Holiday Greetings – Dr. Larry Gossen

I’m not sure about you, but I sit in my office and wonder where these last 4 months have gone! Friday was the last day of the fall semester for NCTA students and Faculty. The mass exodus has begun. It’s going to be very quiet on campus for a few weeks.

I hope you aren’t like me and have been able to really cherish every day leading up to this season. As I mentioned in an earlier column, this year has been a little different since we have added two cats to our household.

We decided this year not to brave a tree with all the beautiful, dangling ornaments. Or the several nativity scenes that Fay likes to display. I can just see those pieces being scattered across the living room floor by our feline family members.

Sometimes our lives are just like that nativity set – scattered pieces, things misplaced, or even broken.

I realize that often, the holidays aren’t merry or happy for many families. Losing loved ones, facing calamities or disasters, experiencing financial difficulties, or any number of things can cause stress and discouragement during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

We have been deeply saddened by the loss suffered by one of our own here at NCTA. Our hearts go out to Mo Khamouna and his family with the loss of their house due to a fire. I am sure he will appreciate our thoughts and prayers, as well as any assistance we may be able to provide.

My heart also goes out to those that have faced financial difficulties, the effects of a lingering drought, or any number of challenges. One thing I have experienced since I have been a Nebraskan is a general attitude of grit and determination here. People are tough, focused, and resilient.

As we face a new year, we look forward to better days and hope for new success. It’s just what we do when we show our grit. It is that optimistic attitude that will carry us through and help meet our challenges head on.

I don’t know what it is about turning over that last calendar page and putting up a new one, but it always helps me think about getting a fresh start on the new year. Whether it’s the fact that now the sun stays out just a few minutes longer each day, or the sheer beauty of freshly fallen snow, there’s just something I love about this time of year.

I am not one to make new year’s resolutions. I was never able to keep them anyway, and then I just had a sense of defeat. I learned a few years ago that a better way to go was to set measurable goals with achievable steps. That seems to work a little better for me, but it still takes determination.

My goals this year are focused on continued improvement for both the college and me personally. Regardless of your resolutions or goals, I trust that you will be successful in achieving them. On behalf of everyone here at NCTA, I want to wish you all the best for a happy new year.

NCTA Events:

Dec. 16-Jan. 8:  Holiday Break for students

Dec. 23-Jan. 2: Holiday Offices closed

Jan. 18: Host District 11 FFA LDE

Jan. 19: Connect-the-Dots at Kearney

Jan. 24-26: Recruit @ Colorado Farm Show Greeley

Jan. 26: Host Sorghum Symposium Event