A Child’s Love
Voting for Decency
Like many of you, this week I’ve been glued to the Democratic National Convention. There have been many highlights, from the joyous music-fueled Roll Call, to the Obama's perfectly coordinated speeches to OPRAH! (wearing custom Christian Siriano). But for me was this moment, when Gus Walz, cheered on his father, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz during his acceptance speech, exclaiming, “That’s my Dad!” was the highlight.
Look, I could be writing about a dozen topics this week, from campus free speech codes to admissions impacts from the SCOTUS ruling to Rush Tok. But when I saw Gus, and his response to his father, I was a puddle of emotion, and I couldn’t help but dedicate some space here to how it made me feel.
Not everyone has the same relationship with their parents, but for Gus and his sister, Hope their parents ooze love and pride. In an interview with People Magazine, Gov. Walz and his wife, Gwen speak about Gus and his ‘secret super power’ that is rooted in how his non-verbal learning disorder, ADHD, and anxiety disorder combine to make him a gifted observer. He is, according to his parents, incredibly tuned in to what is happening around him. Such a gift that Gus is to his family.
As an educator, the love that a parent has for a child is something that I am used to seeing. Commencements, where parents shoot off air horns and throw confetti as they celebrate their student who has worked their damndest to earn their degree. Athletic events where parents would leap to their feet when their child came off the bench. And yes, even those times where parents may have hovered, overstepped fueled by the desire to advocate for their child. I have also seen students express a love and appreciation for their parents.
But, Gus, Gus’s pride and love for his father was a whole other level that I wasn’t prepared to see. It was glorious. Imagine if every person had this level of love in their lives? I would vote for that.
Have you seen Dr. De Veau quoted in these news stories?
A New Problem with Four-Year Degrees: The Surge in College Closures. (Wall Street Journal)
‘I want to get back to the classroom’: As fall semester approaches, grad workers’ strike at BU Grinds On (Boston Globe)
Dr. De Veau is available for interviews on topics related to Higher Education strategy and leadership and trends. Contact Dr. De Veau for an interview.
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Dr. Laura De Veau is Principal & Founder of Fortify Associates, LLC. Fortify Associates, LLC is unique in the higher education, not-for-profit, and public service market. They provide comprehensive workshops, program reviews and project management services with a combination of in-person and virtual delivery. Fortify Associates is committed to creating experiences that are unique to the needs and culture of each of their clients. Dr. Laura De Veau is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston College’s Lynch School of Education & Human Development.