It is Groundhog Day number 125 of the COVID-19 Modified Operating Procedure for Extension. We seem to be continuing in a long stretch of uncertainty as the virus numbers are still high in South Carolina, as confirmed by SC DHEC’s data. As you have heard, Clemson University will begin the fall semester as scheduled on August 19, but with online instruction, as in-person instruction is now delayed until September 21. We will continue to follow our Return to Work Framework Plan for Extension. It is an understatement to say that we are tired of and frustrated about the COVID-19 situation. Most likely, we are also nervous about the future of Extension, Clemson University, our public school system, and South Carolina in general.
Most of you know when I need guidance, I always turn to my faith and seek guidance through readings and reflection. This past week I read something from Dr. Scott Turner, Associate Superintendent for Greenville County School System, that made me think of Extension. He used the song, “The Anchor Holds,” to convey a message about public education to his teachers. I will do the same for the Extension family.
The Anchor Holds
I have journeyed through the long dark night
Out on the open sea, by faith alone
Sight unknown; and yet His eyes were watching me
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm
I’ve had visions, I’ve had dreams
I’ve even held them in my hand
But I never knew they would slip right through
Like they were only grains of sand
The anchor holds
Though the ship is battered
The anchor holds
Though the sails are torn
I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas
The anchor holds in spite of the storm
I have been young, but I’m older now
And there has been beauty these eyes have seen
But it was in the night, through the storms…
I feel like Extension has been through many storms, but The Anchor Holds. We have had over one hundred years of ups and downs throughout our history, but The Anchor Holds. We have been through legislative storms, commodity storms, weather storms, university storms, relevancy storms, strategic plan storms, mission and vision storms, BUDGET CUT storms, administrative storms, and now a Pandemic Storm and The Anchor Holds.
The Anchor Holds because we have been steadfast on why we are relevant to society. We have never strayed from our primary mission being a trustworthy source providing our stakeholders with the latest unbiased researched-based information and programming – The Anchor Holds. Think about that statement, unbiased researched-based information. More than ever, people are seeking validation, which can be provided through unbiased researched-based information, and that is not fake news. We will continue to do what we were established to do, and The Anchor Holds on to continue for generations to come, as our stakeholders depend on us.
The reason The Anchor Holds is primarily because of all of you, and how we function as a team and family. I want you to watch this short video on teamwork and send me your interpretation of the video. Whoever comes closest in their explanation to the reason why this is important will receive a gift card from me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHSUp7msCIE
Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. I strongly urge you not to waver in continuing to follow the recommended safety protocols to inhibit the possibility of additional COVID-19 cases. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
