The renewal of fall . . .(Thu 7 Sep 2006)  Driving to work on the first day of classes reinforced how New Haven and YSN transform from 'sleepy' summer places to vibrant, active environments. Fall has always had a sense of renewal to the season--leaves change and fall to the ground, there is a sudden chill in the air, students return or move to New Haven, and faculty and staff gear up for the academic year ahead. So today I write about renewal and rededication.
When I greeted the 103 new students last week, I noticed several things. They seem to get younger every year. They are excited to be at YSN and eager to move forward in their careers. This energy and excitement can infuse in us a renewed sense of determination and dedication to assure they get what they came here for—the best of everything that is Yale: a top notch education, state of the art technology, mentoring faculty, attentive staff and a caring community. But, the fact that they are younger and have been educated during the information age means that we as the faculty and staff of YSN need to rededicate ourselves to evolving new approaches to teaching that will engage our students in new and different ways. More creative use of our precious time with students in the classroom, more use of simulation and more teaching to the students who have prepared for classes are just a few of the areas where we can improve.
So as the seasons change, let us all rededicate and re-energize ourselves to the wonderful privilege we have of educating the best and brightest students in nursing. Welcome to the start of a brand new year!
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