WC NEWS

National news sources consistently provide us with alarming stories of Chinese spy balloons, updates on the Russian war in Ukraine, high global inflation rates, and a variety of other attention grabbing, yet concerning information. The lead domestic news stories often include instances of violence and despair. If we are lucky, we get one warm and fuzzy feel-good story at the end of the program.

However, these are not the types of stories that we consistently see played out in this wonderful local area that we call home. Sure, we have our problems like every society, but the daily good prevails more often than not. I see existing businesses growing and prospering. New businesses and homes are popping up in almost every direction. Our city governments are painting water towers, building new walking trails, and enhancing our parks. Churches are growing and adding new buildings, and new schools are being built. Families are prospering and living the good life. Locally, there are many amazing things happening that collectively are improving our quality of life.

This prolific progress is driven by the character of our citizens and the culture of our communities. While most of us are enjoying living the American Dream, it is broadly recognized that there are still far too many who are struggling and in need of assistance. The happiest people I know are intentionally working to make this world an even better place. They are spending themselves in a worthy cause. Whether they are entrepreneurs providing employment and enhancing our standard of living, first responders protecting us and keeping us safe, or health care workers enhancing our quality of life, the vast majority of our citizens are improving the human condition on a daily basis. They have balanced their self-interests with the needs of their fellow human beings, and we are all benefiting as a result.

Weatherford College has a responsibility to do its part in this collective endeavor of improving the human condition. Our college needs to increasingly provide our citizens with employable skill sets and teach them how to think critically. An educated citizenry lowers crime rates, raises standards of living, drives economic development, and provides both individuals and the community with a higher quality of life. It also increases tax revenues and lowers the demand for public assistance programs, thereby reducing the overall tax burden. Public health, unemployment, and civic engagement are all positively impacted by an educated citizenry.

I consider myself so fortunate to live in a place where we can all grow and prosper while simultaneously helping those around us also enjoy that success. We cannot control what is happening in Russia, China, or in the global economy, but we can make a difference at home. It is so intrinsically rewarding to know that together, we are making our part of the world an even better place.