Dream Big - Close Encounters of the "Great" Kind

I’ve been reflecting this past month on those defining moments in life that just stop you in your mental tracks and make you reflect on how wonderful life is and really can be when taking the time to reflect on their significance and place in your own story. Encounters with those who you admire are not as random as they seem but in many times I believe are destined.

This one happened at President Capilouto’s Maxwell House on UK Campus this day in 2018 at a dinner for those receiving honorary doctoral degrees that weekend. With the help of Dr. Doug Boyd from the Louie B Nunn Center for Oral History (who is another key transition figure in my own personal story). Warren and I successfully nominated Dr Sara Holroyd to receive this prestigious honor. Dr Tom Hammond was also there to celebrate this honor, along with Dr Debra Hensley another key transition person. I had admired Dr Hammond from a very early age watching and listening to him broadcasting UK Sports and NBC’s Olympics and Kentucky Derby for years and could not believe I was in his most wonderful presence for this occasion.

Dr. Geoffrey Manley, Dr. Sara Holroyd, Dr. Debra Hensley and Dr. Tom Hammond

I never ever saw myself picking up a microphone and speaking on it to ANYONE in an interview at the Nunn Center, facilitating a class or presenting a music show. And its moments like this one with two incredible men by my side, Dr’s Holroyd and Hensley at the table and the love of my life brought to me by the UK experience - that made THIS moment- not of coincidence and chance- but one of destiny to appreciate and inspire.