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| 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.
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| 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.
It really is a look, and you've described it so beautifully for us. Love the song, too -- did you know Josh Groban went to preschool here in Los Angeles (the same little one that my own sons went to!).
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that! I nearly danced with my father to this song at my wedding, but decided against it for fear of the ugliest of ugly cries. (By me and my guests since it does border a bit on cheesy/sappy.)
Deletetear. but the good kind.... 'preciate you Grady Doctor!
ReplyDelete'preciate you, too, doctor.
DeleteDr Manning - you are just beautiful. Your humility is breath taking. And I love the song... not cheesy to my ears.
ReplyDelete*sigh*
DeleteThanks for the kind words. . . .as always.
Sometimes just knowing that others Believe in you so much makes you work harder. Everyone needs a Dr. Lee in their lives.
ReplyDeletem.
Sorry, I could do without the Josh Groban song. Don't worry, it's my thing. I just wish he would open his eyes sometimes.
LOL, Mark! Now you will have me laughing all day at him not opening his eyes! See? This is why I warned you about the song. It's a bit melodramatic, isn't it? The closed eyes is only a part of the draaaaaaaama. Ha ha ha!
DeleteAnd by the way, Claire is SO going to want to dance to this someday. Mmmm hmmm. . . .
You shut your mouth! If she even thinks about playing that song, I'm not paying for her wedding. And designing her dress is OUT of the question.
DeleteIt is people like this who are pivotal in lives, and are often the tipping point between success versus not so much success. People like Dr. Lee change lives-just like you do.
ReplyDeleteMaria, fellow Meharrian
Sister Maria, I hope my eyes are looking at my students and mentees like that. If they are, then I know first hand what that does.
DeleteIt gives us wings to fly and air needed to soar.
I think it was Maya Angelou who said, “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
ReplyDeleteSo true. Something I TRY to keep in mind every day. Every person is important. Every person is special. But there are few who make us feel that way.
Hope you have a wonderful Monday, Dr. M. It's a day off work for me and I'm planning to enjoy every minute. Maybe I can make just one person feel special and important (because they ARE) today. :-)
Jae in Clayton, NC
Good Monday morning, Dear Jae! Not a day off for me, but still has the trimming and the trappings to be a good one. :)
Delete'Preciate you!
What a lovely tribute! As you know, I am going to Los Angeles next week. While I am there, I will visit my friend and mentor, Nancy Ichinaga. When I was a young mother volunteering at your elementary school she summoned me to her (Principal's) office and told me I needed to go to school to become a teacher. She clearly saw something in me that I didn't see in myself, and I am eternally grateful for that. It was an honor to work for/with her for over twenty years and I know she was proud of me. Because of that, I always, always did my best. Can't wait to see her!
ReplyDeleteMom, you look at people like that, too, you know. You are a special, special woman.
DeleteYour Dr. Lee reminds me somewhat of a doctor here in Tallahassee who has probably delivered enough babies to populate the earth. He started practicing in Tallahassee when he couldn't even work at the "white" hospital and yet, here he is, a million years later, never retiring but still roaming L&D in his scrubs, the most highly regarded and respected doctor in that hospital. I have stories about him- they are all beautiful. Everyone does. And his son is now an OB and his daughter is an endocrinologist.
ReplyDeleteI know. This has nothing to do with mentoring or encouraging but everything to do with how it must feel to be encouraged by someone of that quality.
You work hard and it is a beautiful thing to know that you are now passing on what has been given to you.
That man sounds like our kind of people. I'm so glad my friend took that photo with her iPhone. I will cherish it forever.
DeleteAnd I've loved Josh Groban ever since I first saw him on Ally McBeal.
ReplyDeleteEven if he needs to open his eyes every now and then!
DeleteThe physical award was so deserved, but you are accumulating many rewards that will be waiting for you when your physical body is no longer with us.
ReplyDeleteWe will probably never cross paths, but you have made a difference in my world just by the kindness you show others. Thank you.
Blessings~Kate
Kate, I feel like I know you and Ella. You are brave, talented and an inspiring human being. I am so honored to receive your words and to "know" you here. Thanks for making a difference in my life, too.
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ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to have someone like that in your life! I know you pay it forward with your small groups and with others. How do I know this? I just do. And I love your mother. Just sayin....
ReplyDeleteLife grants some people gifts and privileges which they fail to acknowledge or appreciate. Life withholds gifts and privileges from people who are clearly deserving and would be deeply appreciative. But sometimes... sometimes life gets it right... and it grants gifts and privileges to people who are thoroughly deserving, greatly appreciative and endlessly giving of their own gifts. You, Dr. Manning, are in that last group... the "Unicorn Group". Dr. Lee is but one of those gifts. May the gifts in your life always multiply and grow and may you always keep giving the gift of your self to the world.
ReplyDeleteHey Dr. Manning,
ReplyDeleteI’ve never commented but I read all the time. I spent today catching up for a month or so. The last time I visited I copied and pasted (please don’t sue) one of your posts for my doctoral students. Please keep up your enthusiasm, non cynical observations, and incredible vision. I have known and worked with people who trained at Grady and they were my inspiration (several during my residency at USC/LAC) because they really knew how to work and appreciate a county hospital, and this was back in the early 1980s. Just thank you and keep it up.
That picture makes me so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteThese things you mentioned are so true about Dr Lee! He somehow always has the power to engage and encourage. I feel so much more supported each time I run into him, and I love how he always leaves me with something to reflect deeply upon after each encounter.
ReplyDelete