The Golden Bridge

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Dear Student Leader,

Enjoy the final days of your holiday break. The time to connect with friends and family can serve as a refreshment between semesters. I thought about you as I ran through downtown Sacramento and across the Golden Bridge.

Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Want better grades this term? Maybe, for you, building muscle or losing weight is the goal this January.

This letter is part of my commitment to growth through writing: in 2026, I will write more than 1000 words per week, respond better to feedback, and submit four articles to academic journals.

I want to encourage you to set and pursue meaningful goals, too.

Last year, I considered ending this blog, but I remembered you. You’re part of my why. I write to teach about injustice, inspire healthy habits, practice self-care, and spark creativity.

As George Orwell once wrote, most writers write for “Sheer egotism, aesthetic enthusiasm, historical impulse, and political purpose.” We write because we think others care about our ideas. We enjoy the creative process, feel compelled to tell stories, and make political statements.

I read the Orwell quote in a chapter of Kavita Das’s book, Craft and Conscience: How to Write about Social Issues. If you’re interested in adding writing to your leadership responsibilities in 2026, get it here before you return to campus.

In addition to supporting you to achieve your goals, why am I writing you this letter?

It’s been over a year since we’ve had regular conversations. My work with the Umoja Community Education Foundation involves conducting research, writing articles, and leading professional learning workshops. Weekly, I lead writing sessions for staff, but it’s different from teaching students.

The collaborative writing sessions do support consistency.

If you created resolutions, your ability to show up and put in daily work aligns with your success. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg and Atomic Habits by James Clear are two solid books that explore productivity hacks.

Many adults, maybe you’re among them, set fitness goals at the start of the year. On January 1, they purchase the gym membership and complete their first workout. They vow to come back the next day, and they do.

The change in behavior starts well, and then life happens. Some get burdened with school. Others get entangled in personal matters and work.

God forbid an injury occurs. A host of legitimate challenges will prevent adherence to exercise plans.

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Consistency and accountability unlock the golden gate to accomplishment. Use self-discipline and a family, friend, or personal trainer to get beyond the gate.

As a student leader, you set the mark. Whether we discuss losing weight, mentoring students, or excelling in your studies this term, you possess the potential to guide yourself and others toward success.

Subscribe here to ensure you receive every update in 2026. Use this link to pay your tuition if you wish to support the blog. Your contribution, no matter the amount, is greatly appreciated.

I look forward to connecting again next week.

Prof. V