First Actions Make Loud Impressions

We all know the value of making good first impressions! You know the saying, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." It's true - for the good, or for the bad! As I have completed a three week back to school marathon at NNU,  I am struck by the myriad of positive first impressions that I have experienced in action:

• More colleagues than I ever imagined appear genuinely interested in my family's well being as a result of this cross-country move. Plus, I have witnessed colleagues care for each other via meaningful actions.
• Person after person intentionally visits my office to introduce themselves to me, and to welcome me to the NNU Family. I really like it when they wear their name tags! Ha!
• At New Faculty Orientation, Faculty Retreat, Faculty Workshop, New Student Orientation, and the NNU Gathering, there is lots and lots of laughter. Laughter is a really, really good thing!
• In nearly every venue, there is genuine prayer. At the first NNU Community Chapel, the staff and faculty surrounded the auditorium while several representatives prayed over our students. Then, a student representative prayed over the staff and faculty. It was such a simple, yet deeply meaningful action.
• Appreciation is eagerly and freely expressed. At the NNU Gathering (a dinner for staff, faculty, and spouses), the University President called out half a dozen individuals to express public gratitude for a job well done - a job often unseen by others. I was very touched by this act of thanksgiving. It's funny, to witness another person being appreciated is akin to personally being appreciated. In addition, each person present was given a card to express appreciation to another individual within the community. Appreciation begets appreciation, doesn't it?!?
• I am able to walk into any meeting, lunch, or gathering among my new colleagues and KNOW that I will be noticed and welcomed into the family. I am not intimidated or lonely because they are already caring for me. In my 40 years of life, and in numerous transitions from state-to-state, and from job-to-job, I have never felt like this so early in the transition - if at all! Thank you NNU!

I know I am in the "honeymoon phase," and I wonder how I will feel in a year, 2 years, 10 years, and beyond.... A professional marketing agency noted two traits that are widely characteristic of NNU, and unique to NNU when compared to like schools: Love and humor. As I listened to the presentation  announcing these characteristics (and others), I smiled because I had already personally experienced these traits of NNU. Actions speak louder than words!

NNU's actions have made first impressions beyond mere words, and I am thankful!