As we move from the bustle at the start of the new semester, we begin to settle into the stability of the long semester ahead.   We finally have time for reflecting upon our work and our communication with students.  There are times when we all begin to feel frustrated or bored with the redundancy of the information we disseminate to our students.  Consider using creative strategies to feel refreshed and inspired while sharing these important, but repetitive messages. This is the best time to challenge yourself to find ways to reframe your attitude towards, or delivery of, these messages.  While the material may feel redundant to us, we must remember that each student may be hearing this information for the first time.  Our attitude towards our message may affect their future choices.  Our charge is to find ways to share the enthusiasm we once felt when sharing these messages with students.

Reframing your attitude is sometimes easier said than done.  However, it is important to reconsider why these messages are important to our students.  Each student might be affected in a different way.  It is certainly best to first open things up and concentrate on having a genuine conversation about a students' interests.  Once established, challenge yourself to find a creative connection between a students' interests and the message you are trying to convey. 

Another great strategy is to take the time to bring in new examples that might excite a student.  Think of students who have taken the same road before (e.g., study abroad, research, internships) and see if you can pull out an example that relates best to the student you are meeting with. 

Consider restructuring your student meetings.  Be sure that you feel refreshed in the delivery, even if the student may not be aware that there is a difference.  This may help to simply refresh your own personal interested in the delivery of the important messages you give.

It is valuable each day to remember: it is not only what you say, but how you say it that could help change the trajectory of someone’s life.  I challenge each and every one of you to consider one new strategy and offer a fresh delivery to your next student.