‘Twas the night before Winter Break, when all through the rec
not a student was stirring, not even a freshman with a lanyard around his neck.
New basketball nets were hung on the hoops with care,
in hopes that cleaning fairies soon would be there.
The students were at home all snug in their beds,
while visions of having no homework danced in their heads.
And Spot in his dog sweater, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long period of self-reflection as to how this past year went and hopefully a nap.
There were a few sportsmanship ejections and too many injuries,
But there also were cheers and tears and lots of victories.
There were student officials making the right call,
And participants galore just having a ball.
There were fitness attendants helping lend a spot,
people getting swole and finishing with a bench or deadlift or squat.
Front desk monitors were swiping ID’s with a smile on their face,
Knowing full well and by far that they worked at the best place.
The outdoor adventure trips went spelunking and exploring,
Having fun in the sun and even when it was pouring.
The challenge program lifted people up to new heights,
All the hard work realized of long days and even longer nights.
Sport clubs were out winning national championships,
The sweet taste of victory still on their lips.
All supervisors were supervising,
All students having fun and exercising.
Our students may test us on a regular basis,
They make us dig deep into our reserve of patience.
They don’t fill out forms and forget about deadlines,
Constant reminders of policies and certain guidelines.
But they are the reason we get to do what we do,
The reason we get up in the morning with a cup of coffee or two…or three or four…
New ones come in year after year,
With hopes and dreams, ready to face their fear.
They come to us with new and wild ideas,
Spending lots of money on burritos and at pizzerias.
They push the limits and blur the lines,
Forcing us to think about how we do things and our own confines.
And so as we look back on a great year behind,
Let us take time with family and friends and be sure to unwind.
With joy and passion, from me and that guy with a sled,
“Happy Holidays to all and a great year ahead!”
