#447 changed

Today is freshman move-in day on campus, my second favorite day of the work year after commencement.  This is the time of hope and promise -- where students come with their future before them, ready to conquer the world.  I wrote in a previous blog that IBM wanted "forward thinking world changers"; most freshmen believe they would qualify for the job, if not now, certainly after four years.

I liken this day to the colored cups that we are handing out as part of our "swag" for the year.  When empty, the cups appear to be a translucent white -- nothing special.  But when cold water is added to one version of them, the cup appears to turn the water yellow.  Liquid added to an identical-looking cup turns the water blue.

And so it goes with freshmen.  They, like the water, are actually unchanged at the moment, but put in a new environment both appear to take on new characteristics and qualities.  Somehow they seem "better" or at least "different" in an instant.  

Here is to all the college freshmen -- wherever you enroll -- wishing that your dreams and hopes are realized. 

-- beth triplett
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