Ten things I've learned about Columbia in the past 10 days....

1.  It's hot here.  You don't notice it because you're comparing it to how it's going to be in July.  That doesn't help.  Believe me.

2.  There are roads in Columbia that turn into other roads.  Without warning. For those of us who forgot to bring along our GPS systems, this seems like some kind of inside joke.  

3.  Bankers are much more fun in Columbia than anywhere else in the country.  They serve as community connections.  They bring people together who care deeply about local issues -- like education.  They relish French cuisine and thoughtful discussion, and they have an abiding commitment to all-things-Columbia.  They are the most welcoming people you could ever imagine.

4.  It's hot here.  See #1.

5.  The Rotary Clubs in Columbia are vibrant, committed, energetic groups of deeply engaged citizens who give back, step up, and have fun in the process.  Sarah Hill's stories of the Honor Flights for WWII veterans, which she presented to the Rotary early Thursday morning, made me weep (my dad's a WWII vet) -- and contribute.  (You, too?)

6.  This is a journalism town -- and as a journalist, that's about the highest praise I can think of.  You're accustomed to the quality of news that surrounds you: it's a part of the cultural landscape.  But a news junkie like me -- straight out of a town with a dying daily newspaper -- thinks she's hit the journalism jackpot:  Edgy reporters like Janese Heavin at the Daily Tribune (she always asks the next question -- both a craft and an art) and up-and-coming students like Evan Bush at the Missourian ensure that Columbia has the news and information it needs to remain a vibrant, citizen-driven community. 

7.  You have lots of Walmarts (and I now understand why).  Bottom line, though, is that I keep my office stocked in chocolate -- it's one of the things I do to convince people across campus that they should stop up to the president's office and say hello -- and nobody sells Snickers and Rollos cheaper than Walmart.  Trust me on that one, too.  It's something I know a lot about.

8.  There are more doctors here than a town this size has any right to expect.  I'm of strong Midwestern stock and healthy as a horse (and I say that knowing that the faculty and staff at the stables are paying attention).  Even so, excellent health care just down the street?  That's a good thing.

9. Stephens College is a vital member of the Columbia community, and an institution unlike any other.  Its neighbors know that.  Its employees know that.  Its alumni know that.  And perhaps most important, its students know that.  Every day since my arrival on campus, that profound fact of Stephens life has been clear.  Today, I got a letter written last spring by one of our students, describing her feelings about the college: "Stephens is a place where dreams come true.  Stephens has awakened in me dreams that I didn't know I had and made them a reality....We're small in numbers but we have an enormous unconquerable spirit."  I am framing that letter for my office: it is the essence of our mission, our vision, and our commitment.

10.  I'm home.

Comments

[Enjoli]

This is me not brown-nosing at all :) But I truley enjoy readin your blog!!! It's a great way to start the day!

Thank you.

[Betsy Murphy]

Welcome to Columbia! I had to chuckle at your comment about the roads turning into other roads without notice (#2), as that was a difficulty I faced when I moved here in 1996. The first week I was here I was driving around (lost) downtown, turned a corner and ended up in front of the Mosque. It was the first I'd ever seen in real life, and that's when I knew I wasn't in Maine anymore! Columbia is a good place to live, but I'm also dreading the heat and humidity of July (#1 and #4)!

[Sherry Miller]

Dear Ms Lynch,
Welcome to Columbia! As a transplanted East Coaster, but also a mom to a newly graduated IC Park School student, I know Stephans College made a great choice in you for their leadership. My son has always spoken highly of you and his time at Ithaca, so I know the students of Stephans will come to love your openiness, intelligence and 'thinking out of the box' that the students of Park School came to appreciate.
We have come to like our new town. The people of Columbia are incredible and have made us feel very welcomed.
Good luck and Congratulations on your new position.

Sincerely,
Sherry Miller
mom to David Miller IC Park School 2009

[Lexi]

I laughed out loud several time while reading your blog. Yes, we DO have a lot of Wal-Marts. Also, there are three main roads in Columbia that will lead you anywhere you need to go: Broadway, College and Providence! By mid-August when we return, you will be an expert of these streets! Lastly, enjoy the peace and quiet (and parking) this summer because that will all change in August!

[Catherine Cooper]

I am glad I am not alone in my weeping over the Honor Flight story!
Welcome to Columbia and Stephens!

[Chelsey]

I'm so happy that Stephens has been blessed with such a vibrant and active new president. President Libby did many wonderful things and it seems like you are the PERFECT person to continue making positive changes...
Glad you are enjoying Columbia!

[Sherry Miller]

Welcome to Columbia! We are recent transplants too and have grown to love this town. You quickly realize that people here are so friendly from the greeters at Walmart to the passerbys on the street. They want you to like it here. As an Ithaca College Park School alumni parent (David 2009) Stephens made a wonderful choice in you for their leadership. Best wishes and welcome to our town!

[Lee Lewis-Wu]

Hi! This blog site was sent to me by a friend. I have bookmarked it and am enjoying it!
I liked Columbia. It still remains one of my favorite places I have lived. I have been back to campus two times. So many changes but the friendliness there is consistent.
My friend was right when she said, "She (Diane) already sounds like one of us!"