September 1, 2026
Last week was full of surprises - some great, a few frustrating. I kept being reminded of Mike Tyson’s line, “everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.”
Foggy Bottom is full of “only at GW” or “only at SMPA” moments. Sometimes we say that with excitement - “you'll never believe what just happened - only in SMPA!” Sometimes with a grimace, “can you believe what just happened? Only at GW.” Hopefully over our time together there are more of the former than the latter, but there will be a healthy dose of both. Unexpected things happen. Sometimes it’s a metaphorical punch, sometimes it’s an introduction, conversation, or opportunity.
Too often I notice the unexpected and fun and move on, but dwell on the unexpected and frustrating. Those of you who have been in my office know I have a poster that says “Dumb Luck.” Usually I think of that as good luck - I've been incredibly lucky over my career - but sometimes that luck is bad.
Reflecting on this past week's surprises, good and bad, I am reminded of a few lessons. First, pay attention to the unexpected good things. I get paid to work with smart and committed scholars, creators, and teachers from a range of backgrounds with a wide array of interests, and I get to spend time with smart, committed, curious, and hardworking students who came to SMPA to study, shape, and tell the stories that matter. I routinely have unexpected conversations with people doing remarkable things. That's amazing. I need to remember to spend at least as much time remembering these moments as I do the frustrating ones.
The second reminder is to do something with the unexpected. Sometimes that means last minute schedule juggling, cancelling something you wanted to pick something you need, or just dealing with it. A roadblock was just put in your way, you can admire it or figure out a way around it. The sooner you get to solving the faster you will get to a solution.
But it's not just frustrating surprises you should do something about. You made an unexpected connection, what will you do with it? You were presented with an exciting opportunity, but to take advantage of it you would have to stop doing something you enjoy or that could also help your career. Do you change plans - take a different road, even if it means turning back a bit? Or do you note it for what it was and move on? You had a plan, the plan took a whack, now what?
We're rushing into the second week of the semester. SMPA's kickoff event tomorrow (we wanted pizza in U Yard, but the weather may force us to change plans, stay tuned). And by this time next week I am sure we will all have another list of “Wow, only at SMPA!” and “Ack, only at SMPA” moments. What will you do with them?