October 2023

“If you're just tuning in, you might be surprised by the score,” the announcer said as the players jogged off the field at Sanford Stadium at halftime.

He was right. 14-3, University of South Carolina vs. No. 1 University of Georgia.

Those of us watching, in person or at home, were surely thinking the same thing: What's happening? Can Georgia turn this around in the second half?

I didn't grow up watching football. We didn't have a team we rooted for during football season, so when I transferred to the University of Georgia in my junior year of undergrad, I happily adopted the Bulldogs.

I stood in line at the Athletic Center on a Thursday to buy student tickets and every Saturday when there was a home game, drove to campus early so I could practice for a few hours, tailgate with friends, ride the shuttle to the stadium, and climb the bleachers of the student section next to the band, a sea of red and black.

Years later and far away from Athens, GA, I don my red Georgia cap and watch whatever games we can get at home.

The Bulldogs emerged from the locker room that day with a renewed sense of energy and motivation. They scored 21 unanswered points in the second half for a final victory of 24-14, extending their winning streak to 20 games.

“Coach, what did you say to the team in the locker room at halftime?” A reporter asked Kirby Smart on the field at the end of the game. 

“We need to win one moment at a time," he said quietly. "What's the first moment and the moment after that?”

Wise words to carry with us as we step into a new month.

Maybe you're feeling defeated by the new school year—as a student or a teacher. Maybe you feel overworked and under-appreciated, overwhelmed, or burnt out. Maybe you're feeling distracted, discouraged, or tired.

If so, focus your attention on the here and now and what's next in your day. (One thing, okay? Not your whole to-do list. *wink*) Maybe you're preparing to teach lessons, lead a rehearsal, step into a meeting, or sit down to practice. 

Picture the first moment you'll encounter after you finish reading this email—what do you want to see happen? What does winning that moment look like for you?

Cheering you on,