By Kimberly Thomas | I don’t remember if it was during my Junior or Senior year here at Howard Payne (way back in the day), but I do remember that I was in a particularly sticky situation of my own making…and I was not about to “give in.”
It was in the middle of one of Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld’s theater classes. The assignment was very detailed, but the story that had been created by my own imagination was one in which the assignment’s mandates were not met. I knew that when I began my presentation to the class. Upon finishing the reading of my created tale, everyone laughed appropriately at the surprise ending…but then there was an uncomfortable silence as it dawned upon my fellow classmates that I had completely “missed” the point of the heavily weighted project. Because Dr. Humfeld is who she is, she attempted to smooth over the awkwardness by gently pointing out that the work was very creative, entertaining, well written…and greatly in need of a rewrite so I would not receive a failing grade. The artistic side of me just could not bring itself to change that storyline. I argued that the work was “art for art’s sake,” and I cheerfully presented myself as something of a martyr as I took the threatened failing grade, much to Dr. Humfeld’s confusion (and aggravation, I am sure).
While I did pass the class with a high enough grade, I look back now at that moment from the perspective of a counselor and a retired teacher. I realize several things about myself: 1) I was foolish to risk my grade by “taking a stand” on something that really did not matter or help anyone, myself included; 2) I was stubborn, and that really is the only point I made; and, 3) If I am going to be truthful, I have to admit that I didn’t dig my heels in for the sake of “art.” Rather, I dug my heels in because life had been a roller coaster ride that year, and although it seems silly now, it felt then as if the proverbial last straw was about to be laid on the camel’s back with the changing of that story.
Perhaps you, too, have resisted change in your life….in your routine….in your thoughts concerning others….in lots of areas. Certainly, this societal environment in which we find ourselves today has forced most of us to recognize that “change” is inevitable, and adaptability encased in flexibility is a necessity (hmmm…maybe that should be a bumper sticker?). It goes without saying, however, that not all change is bad, even if it is bittersweet. That is precisely where HPU’s counseling department finds itself today.
At the end of the 2020 Spring semester, Jerry Leslie, who had served as the university’s counselor for more than just a few years, retired. Jerry sought diligently to ensure every struggling student had an opportunity to receive mental health services. Most certainly, he set a standard of care that should bring pride to any university; his retirement has certainly left not only “big shoes” to fill, but it has inevitably brought with it the need to adapt to more change. Fortunately, for HPU the change has not been quite as hard as it could have been due to some very instrumental people.
After careful consideration of the university’s needs, the counseling department has been fortunate to gain two more counselors: Mrs. Jessica Morgan, LPC-Intern, and Mr. Jared Calaway, LPC-S. This makes for an extremely flexible counseling center for HPU’s student body. Here is how it will work:
Mrs. Kimberly Thomas will be on campus Monday (9:00-12:00 & 1:00-3:00); Tuesday (8:00-12:00 & 1:00-3:00); Wednesday (1:00-5:00); & Thursday (2:00-5:00).
Mrs. Jessica Morgan will be on campus Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday (4:30-7:30).
Mr. Jared Calaway will be counseling strictly online. His hours vary according to availability.
In order to make an appointment with one of the counselors, please feel free to call 325-649-8194 or email kthomas@hputx.edu. Also, please do not hesitate to come by our offices and introduce yourself! We are located in Jennings’ Pod B across from Muse Plaza (the Jesus statue).
While change can be difficult and overwhelming, it certainly doesn’t have to have a negative impact like one written story had on my GPA (again…back in the day)! Instead, change can build pride and can challenge us to continue striving to meet the high standards instilled by those who have gone before us. Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Calaway, and I certainly look forward to meeting such a challenge, and we look forward to working with each of you during this semester!