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Happy 2012! I hope that Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the dawning new year have brought to you many presents, happy thoughts, and worthwhile memories. If you have not already done so, it is now your perfect opportunity to spin the dreidel, light the kinara and to untie the large red bow on the gift that is the 2012 TSA season. It's bound to be a jolly one, abundant with new opportunities and friendships, travels and events. And while other gifts may have only apparent and physical value, TSA will be the one that has a meaningful intrinsic impact on your life, as it continues to have on mine. While we're wielding the holiday spirit, I would like to make a resolution. This one is on behalf of Mark Twain who once said, "I have never let my schooling interfere with my education". What a brilliant way to embellish the essence of TSA—it is an education in itself. It is an opportunity that traditional schooling with grades and 180 days, simply does not provide. Our technologizing world needs those who lack convention; who are on the cutting edge. "TSA'ers". The ones who do not accept the classroom as our exclusive place of learning. But wait, before you get the wrong impression, I'm not telling you to drop out of school—don't. You won't be able to do TSA (and school is important). I am just saying that getting out of the classroom to compete in events, from Dragster to Webmaster, is meritorious. No, better yet, essential to our development as a productive 21st century workforce. As I submit my final college applications and prepare for the second semester of senior year, I have one yearning, lingering hope. I wish to never alienate the ideal that I can learn both in front of the chalkboard and beyond; in the infinite realm. This is my resolution. To stay hungry for knowledge, whether academic or experiential. So, thank you TSA, for the breadth of opportunity that you continue to provide for me and your 150,000 members. I owe you for an excellent 2011 and (I'm certain) an even better 2012. You are definitely not the type of gift, to re-gift. Best wishes for the new year, Phil Hayes President, PA-TSA |