December 22, 2020
As We Move into the Holiday Break…
I have the honor of representing you and K-State Research and Extension whenever I meet with the people we serve, non-profit organizations, industry, and government officials and agencies. As we move into this holiday break, I am going to reverse this. I am going to represent the people and all of those entities that you served this year.
It is customary and polite to thank people for holiday gifts. I am going to thank you on their behalf for the early holiday gifts you gave them. Your gift giving began last January, really picked up following March, continues today, and will continue through December 31. Whether you are an agent, specialist, or one of the many whose work facilitates our agents and specialists, the gift you gave was the gift of education; education that enabled the people we serve to deal with both the usual and the plethora of unusual things that hopefully only 2020 will ever bring.
You helped to combat the stress that was already prevalent in our agricultural industry, our home, and our towns and cities even before COVID-19. You helped our elected officials and community leaders learn how to be civil with one another and how to discuss important issues. When COVID-19 hit, you taught Kansans how to be safe. You showed people how to better navigate the empty shelves, layoffs, reduced income, diminished slaughtering capacity, virtual meetings, and so many other things associated with COVID-19’s economic downturn. You helped schools and parents by finding or developing online educational activities. You helped caregivers to provide exceptional care for their charges. You helped our youth by converting our 4-H youth development programs and activities to online, hybrid, or a safer version of face-to-face delivery methods, and, unlike in some other states, every 4-H member got to enjoy a capstone activity for each and every project. You taught a homebound society how to grow a garden and cook its bounty. You helped our farmers and ranchers make better decisions. You brought nutritious food to food deserts and food swamps and healthier diets to peoples' tables. You helped prevent and fought wildfires both here and in other western states. You also supported one another as colleagues and friends. You gave people hope and helped to calm their minds and souls.
In short, you helped and led people to a better life despite our COVID-19 challenge. I cannot think of a better gift this holiday season than what you have already given in abundance. While the people we serve may not say this, I will. Thank you.
You have earned a peaceful, safe, relaxing, and fun holiday. Please, allow yourself to enjoy it. Unplug. Relax. Play more with your kids. Call and talk with your friends and family members, especially those who will be facing this holiday alone. Enjoy your holiday. You deserve it. Even though 2020 tried to bully us into submission, you took the bully head on and, in the process, became heroes to all those we serve.
Happy holidays, everyone!