WELL& JOURNAL

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES I am writing this from the waiting room at Baptist Health Hamburg, where my mother is undergoing a stress test. It is a quiet moment and one that brings a great deal of reflection. Just last year, she appeared so well: clearly healthy, steady, strong.  But as the year ended and a new one began, her health slowly began to change. At first, it was subtle. Then, it became more noticeable: shortness of breath and chest pain. And now, we are here.  It reminds us that time moves around us, and sometimes, it does not tap us gently on the shoulder.  Sometimes, it arrives like a wave. We do not always have the chance to ease into change. Sometimes, it happens gradually, and we only notice when we stop and realize how much has shifted. If something feels off, even just a little, do not ignore it. Make an appointment. Pay attention to your body. Pay attention to your loved ones. There is nothing more responsible than seeking answers early.  There is...

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES These past few weeks have been incredibly busy, and I have considered them a season of waiting.  As I approach the end of the semester, I am waiting to complete my degree and begin my doctoral program. As I cross items off my to-do list, I am waiting for a clearer schedule so I can focus on the long-term tasks ahead and not just live in the moment.  But these seasons are perfect for living in the moment. When I think back to just one year ago, the nostalgia that seems to come with it strikes me. It was not that long ago by any means, but it seems like a lifetime.   This world is fast, and life is, too. So, even in the seasons of waiting, I aim to make the most of it, show up for others, and continue making a difference. 

BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Life is messy. We often search for meanings and reasons when sometimes there are none. “Ain’t no rhyme or reason, no complicated meaning. Ain’t no need to overthink it, let go laughing.” These words remind us that not everything must be understood. Some things are meant to be lived, not solved. Life is unpredictable, and trying to control every part of it only steals our joy. When we let go laughing, we accept the messiness and find peace in the middle of it.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES At the start of the year, I made it a goal to complete a few tasks each day: reading my Bible, reading a chapter in a book, making my bed, and journaling. For a good portion of the year's start, I kept with it, but I have slowly fallen out of the habit. I read Atomic Habits by James Clear earlier this year, and it serves as a reminder that good habits form after repetition. That repetition can come in the form of one small act each day toward improvement, not anything significant. So, when I mess up and skip a daily task, I remind myself that each day I am still making progress. Progress is not about perfection. It is about showing up, even if it is not every day, even if it is not flawless. Little by little, the small things add up. When I look back, I do not see the days I missed. I see the slow, steady work of becoming more disciplined, intentional, and grounded. That is worth celebrating, one small step at a time.

 BY WALLACE CALEB BATES Somehow, I am sitting here as the semester comes to an end, and I really cannot believe it. On May 10, I will cross the stage at graduation and accept my master's degree.  I have spent two months completing a research project focused on learning in rural communities. When I first began my college journey in 2020, I remember looking forward to the day I would conduct my original research that others could use to frame their entry-level arguments.  Life has a way of coming full circle. As I prepare to begin my doctoral journey next, I remember this.  I remember the hope I carried into every class, the quiet determination I had to persevere when things became difficult, and my steadfast belief that authentic, meaningful learning opens doors not just for me but also for others. This degree is more than a piece of paper: it is a promise to continue asking questions, seeking answers, and working toward a future where students in every corner of ever...