Director Graduate Program: Morgan Zantua

Last week during the community building event, David Yi introduced me to Admiral William H. McRaven and his book, Just Make Your Bed. Of course, I did what people do today and found the 6-minute video of the Admiral’s 2014 Commencement speech to his alma mater in 2014. It is an engaging video and worth the time to read or listen to his inspiring message. It also prompted me to start reading the book. McRaven advises if you want to change the world, start by just making your bed every morning. Of course, there is more to this simple act of making your bed. 

Admiral McRaven’s philosophy is based upon the Seal Team training that shaped his distinguished military career. The philosophy espouses humility, respect, trust, loyalty, and accepting failure to gain the emotional and physical stamina to persist. While his philosophy is based upon his military experience, the lessons apply to all leaders today. And this is the reason I recommend everyone within the School of Technology, and Computing read or listen to Just Make Your Bed.  

As a student in the School of Technology & Leadership, you are establishing or advancing your path to leadership. Speaking as the Director of Graduate Programs at STC, getting an advanced degree sets you apart. According to America Counts only 13.1 percent of the US population holds a master’s degree or a doctorate. Frequently, I ask my capstone students the reason they decided to complete their master’s degrees. Last year three people told me getting their master’s degree was required for promotion into a more senior leadership position. 

This week, I recommend we all take time to read or listen to Admiral McRaven’s book and do our part to change the world.