The Director's Corner

December 3, 2024

The season of winter is upon us, even in balmy Auburn. So, also, is the season of frenzy and stress - whatever holidays we celebrate, we tend to be rushing around at this time of year to various gatherings, airports, and stores. We hurry, then we wait in line, and then we hurry some more. For students, this stress compounds with the arrival of deadlines and examinations, and then the tense anticipation of final grades.

For this final newsletter of the semester then, I would like to wish you all some moments of quiet and calm, after your examinations if not before. I hope you are able to take some time for yourself to sit still, to enjoy the company of loved ones, and also to enjoy some moments just being with yourself. Honors students famously are high achievers. They seek out challenge, and they handle immense complexity in their lives. They are busy souls, always doing, always getting things done. Those are wonderful qualities that the world needs, and I feel so privileged to be the Director of a College dedicated to supporting such active and engaged students. But those are also the very students who most need to be urged to find some quiet.

I therefore wish a happy end of the semester to all our students, to the College’s amazing staff, and to the broader Auburn Honors community. I also wish you a time of rest, before your return to campus in January. I look forward to reconnecting with all of you in a few weeks.

Dr. Laura Stevens

Director, Honors College
Professor of English