About 3930 Weeks (End of year reflections)

They say that, on average, the life span in the USA is about 4732 weeks. So here I am at about 83% of life. Really? In gas tank words I am running with a quarter of a tank, even sometimes it feels like running on reserve!

We don’t know what the future will bring, but we know one thing, for sure, we know that we are here and that we are doing the best we can. So, it is time for us to reflect on what has happened this year in our lives. We also know that there is nothing we can change about the past but reflecting on it, with a philosophical approach will help us to feel gratitude and generate the energy that we need to keep going.

Let me share my own personal experience in the hope that it will give you something more to reflect. At the end of last year, I was told that my position as Full Professor of Physical Science was going to be eliminated and that I was now to become Emeritus Professor. Which meant that I was not going to be hired to teach full-time. As I have been teaching full-time for over 26 years the news came as a surprise and produced a sense of deep loss. What was I supposed to do?

Christianity, and philosophy in general can give the answer to this question. Now that a door appears to be closing, hope allows one to feel that new doors will open. The situation is and has to be an opportunity for new actions, new projects, and endeavors. This is what I know had to happen. This is how you start thinking about dreams that you had. Dreams and ideas about business, travel, or enterprises.

And I had a dream.

An organization that would provide a safe space for youngsters and adults to develop social, and technical skills so necessary in today’s world. This dream came from years as a Boy Scout. I remember well the days when together with my friends we had a great time playing, exercising, planning the next camping trip, and learning. Developing life skills and friendships that last the whole life. (I am still in touch with some of my Scout friends!)

Based on this experience, and research about available programs we came to the following conclusion. The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) Hub 4 Creativity, Innovation, Sustainability, and Stewardship (CISS) [STEAM Hub 4 CISS] will support young people with mentorship from older adults to become productive, responsible citizens that society needs and deserves. The Hub is a nonprofit corporation registered in Oregon and is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. So donations to The Hub are tax deductible.

We are launching The Hub on January 31st, 2025. The first site will be hosted at Chemeketa College Woodburn Center, thanks to the unwavering support of Dean Elias Villegas. We will bring High School students to help them find their STEAM pathways which could mean a two-year/four-year college degree or training in trade skills that are very important in today’s world. For more information visit the website.

Meanwhile

Part of this year was also dedicated to my passion for learning. Supported by the Small Business Development Centers at Portland Community College I took two classes, one a 5 week on Business Design, and the other a 14 week on Business Builders. There I learn a lot about how to start, maintain, and grow a business. This also helped me to establish my own private practice. The STEAM Academy where I intend to tutor/mentor students thinking about going to college. This mentoring is intended to be on a one-on-one basis and will provide students more than just subject matter but a broad philosophy of a good life.

An important part of learning and growth is to read. Reading good books nurtures our intellect and spirit. Learning about the life of people who were productive while going through rough times, (think of Apostol Paul, and abolitionist Fredrick Douglas) gives us the gumption to continue (“Finding The Heart To Go On” – by Lynn Anderson based on the story of David) and the tools to do it. The best tools can be found in the reading of Stoic philosophers.

Then there is Latin.

Memento Mori. Thinking about death is the best tool when we are going through hard times. As we realize that our time here is limited and we shouldn’t waste it on petty and momentary distress. “One day I’m going to be dead,” a lady said on the phone when talking about something that she didn’t like, and that was the best way to not get upset about it.

Amor Fati. The love of fate. We should desire what is happening according to nature, so we are not disappointed when things happen that are not our desire. Yes, of course, we can hope for certain things but always remember that our will may not be what nature has in store for the future.

Carpe Diem. Live the moment. Hoy, this day, is what we have. The past is gone and the future is always out there. Many wise men have written about it. When we are going through hardship we need to remember where we are in the moment and realize how blessed we are.

Ouroboros (not Latin). The end is the beginning and the beginning is the end!

Finally.

Best wishes to all for the new year. It will be a challenging year as they always are so let’s get ready to support each other.