Putting things in perspective

It is January 3^rd, 2012 and I can’t think of a better ending to a phenomenal 2011! Working at the University of Denver is a blessing that I don’t take for granted, but I believe there should be a balance between work and personal time. During the last week of December I decided to make an effort to make the most of the amazing break that DU allows for their faculty and staff. I embarked on a three-city trip to spend time with family and friends. On my 1^st trip I departed Denver, CO and arrived in OKC, OK where my dad, grandparents and other relatives reside. Oklahoma is where I was raised, so it is always good to go back and catch up with my family and friends.

My 2^nd trip consisted of me meeting up with my older brother and his family who all drove to OKC from Denver. We then drove to Dallas, TX to hang out with my mother and other two brothers and their families (yes, I have a big family!). The time spent with them along with my nieces and nephews was priceless and a total blessing, for I know tomorrow is not guaranteed! I thought I was in great shape but theses kiddos were like the energizer bunny, they kept going and going!! Not sure you can mentally prepare for that, but it was fun nonetheless!

I capped off my trip by flying out of Dallas Love-Field Airport to Las Vegas, NV for UFC 141 and New Years Eve at the Wynn Resorts with my best friend whom I actually went to school with and is also an alumnus of DU (Phil Heath, the current Mr. Olympia). The hotel was amazing, the décor and styles of the restaurants we ate at were truly an amazing experience and the weather wasn’t too bad - in fact, it was sunny the whole weekend, so no complaints! 

All in all, I am glad to be back in the office and back in the swing of things. We have a lot of work to do and I am grateful that the University of Denver afforded us the opportunity to take a much needed break and because of that, we are energized and ready to bring in another successful incoming freshman class! Go Pioneers!

Wahhab Carter, Associate Director of Diversity Enrollment