"Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion." - Hebbel
"There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." - Norman Vincent Peale
Two truer things have never been said. When I hear complements for our education staff they usually begin, "The staff really love what they do/teach" (passion) "and they show it." (enthusiasm). Passion and Enthusiasm are key ingredients in the creation of anything great. The Marine Science Consortium and its programs are no exception.
When I read accounts of the early days of MSC, I am always struck by the unbounded enthusiasm shown by the founders. "Let's start a marine science field station!" they said. "We'll figure it out as we go along." And they did. Find a boat? Sure! Need a facility? Here's one we can use. Need to make WWII era Naval housing into classrooms, cafeteria, labs, and offices? No problem. Only passion and enthusiasm could possibly produce the creativity and can-do attitude that it took to make all that happen.
Fast forward 40 years. MSC is still here, still offering exceptional field-based educational opportunities and still inspiring passion for subject and place in its participants and students. We made it to 2010 through the hard work of many, MANY people who have given of themselves because of their passion for this place and the work it does. As we enter the next phase of The Marine Science Consortium's life, I'm again struck by how passion and enthusiasm continue to play their roles in our organization. Certainly, our Board of Directors had to have passion and enthusiasm for what MSC is (and can be) to commit such a brave act as finding and backing a $15 million bond for MSC's campus revitalization. It is obvious how much they want MSC to succeed, to thrive, and to offer outstanding educational opportunities.
Our university faculty show enthusiasm and passion every time they give up a weekend to bring students down for a field experience or spend 3 weeks away from home and family to teach a summer course. That enthusiasm may also be caught in action, such as in the above image of Dr. Dagit, Millersville University, smooching a shark. Teachers bringing students for a three day experience in our Coastal Ecology Program have to be enthusiastic to maneuver through the many field trip pitfalls and hurdles. Lastly, students,whether they are volunteering their time during a service weekend, as in the photo above, or taking three back to back intense summer courses, are about as passionate as they come.
Enthusiasm and Passion are MSC's fuel. Just as in a car, we must have them to run, the more we have the farther we can go, and the bigger we get the more we need. So to all our staff, faculty, teachers, participants, Board members, founders, and friends I say, keep pouring that enthusiasm and passion our way. We'll work hard to find the best routes to our future that will use the fuel you give us efficiently and that bring in new friends and partners, so that we always have sources of new energy to add to yours.
You've waited three looong, seemingly endless years, made speculations, offered suggestions, remained patient and finally the day has arrived -
