You raise me up.

Emory Commencement 2012

I love this photograph.

I love it because it captures me looking at someone who never, ever fails to encourage me professionally. I also love that this image seems to embody how important it is to me to make those people who paved roads for me to walk upon acutely, chronically--and acute-on-chronically--proud.

This man is one of those people.

This is Dr. Lee. Dr. Lee is our Associate Dean and Director of Multicultural Medical Student Affairs at Emory. No matter where I am or no matter what it is I'm doing, this man never, ever fails to stop me and offer a word or gesture of positive affirmation. No exaggeration--this is what he does.

Every. Single. Time.

Sometimes it's just a proud glance and that's it. Other times, it's simply "the nod." But, man. No matter what, Dr. Lee consistently encourages me so much. Without wavering.

On the day this picture was taken, I had just received what many would deem a career achievement award. The Evangeline Papageorge Distinguished Teaching Award. A teaching award so big and bad that it warranted my mama figuring out how to come to commencement, my husband and my brother taking off of work, and my daddy flying on an airplane all the way in from California to see me receive it. So of course, Dr. Lee--the Dean for Multicultural Student Affairs-- would look at me with pride in his eyes that day. I mean, he had just witnessed someone who looks to him as a mentor become the first underrepresented minority to step out on that stage next to the Dean and the Alumni president and receive that award.

In fact, this photo taken by our university photographer even catches him applauding for me in the top right hand corner. . . .with that same proud look on his face.

photo taken by Jack Kearse, Emory University Photographer

But.

You know? Tonight I just realized something. . . .and now I'm on the verge of crying. It just hit me is that this? This is how Dr. Lee always looks at me when he sees me. Exactly like this. And not just me. Countless others, too. On regular days in hall ways. On the Michael Street bridge walking toward the parking lot. And even next to the vending machines. With him, there doesn't have to be a special occasion or career achievement award. He always looks at people with eyes full of expectation and belief. And like they're already the recipient of some kind of award.

Every. Single. Time.

Well. On the day this picture was taken, there was an award. And you know? I'm thinking that the reason there was one had a lot to do with my family and students, yes. But it also had something to do with people like Dr. Lee who saw the winner in me long before someone called my name in that auditorium.

Yeah.

That's all I got tonight.


Oh, and Dr. Lee?  'Preciate you, sir.

***
Happy Sunday-just-about-Monday.

Now playing on my mental iPod. . .cheesy, yes.  But playing nonetheless. Dry-heaving is acceptable.