So here it is, the end of my first year as a Regent. It actually reminds me of how I felt at a certain point when I got older. When I was young I believed adults were wise and knew everything that they were about. Turns out, that’s not true in a lot of cases. And I had a strong reaction to learning that most adults were just – well, people trying to figure life out, sometimes stumbling and regrouping along the way.

After a year I thought I would have a solid sense of how the university operated, how ideas and projects came to be realized – who did what, when, and why. Turns out, that’s not how it works either. The systems are tremendously complex. The politics are subtle and I still have so much left to learn. 

I’ve been feeling quite a lot like my younger self lately. 

Learning not only takes time, it takes listening. One of the reasons I ran for Regent was to push for greater communication between the university and Nebraskans. Wanting to hear more from all of you is why I joined a town hall in Bennington. 

It was the reason we created Weitz Up, a place to talk about current issues facing the university. As part of this process I sit down with Kate or send her my scribbles about what’s on my mind, but one thing I’m trying to get better about is taking pictures.

Turns out I am not someone who takes pictures. Admittedly, I prefer writing notes. But as I was thinking, it also occurred to me that a hundred lenses are better than one. I know this blog has my name on it but it’s really about you. Your questions. Your experiences. Your ideas.

That’s why I’m asking you to send me your photos!

I would love for you to send me pictures as you encounter the University of Nebraska – at games, at lectures, with friends. Take pictures of things on campus that catch your eye, especially if you have questions about one thing or another.

Whether through the blog, pictures, scribbles, the office hours, or in person, I look forward to introducing you to all sorts of incredible people at the university. Moreover, I look forward to everything that you have to teach me.

Because as it turns out, we never stop learning.

*Barbara’s thoughts as written by Kate based on weekly (fascinating) conversations.