Article April 19, 2004 Issue

Am I anything without my opinions?

Elaine Follis

FOR THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I've been a dean in academic administration. And if you know anything at all about academic types, you know that opinions are pretty much our stock in trade.

A while back, I found myself feeling very strongly about a work related situation. It had to do with the curriculum, and I felt I was really clear on what needed to take place. And although prayer was a natural part of my life, and I was accustomed to praying about these kinds of situations, I felt that I didn't need to pray this time.

I was accountable for a particular element of the curriculum. And this led me to be emphatic about how things should happen. It wasn't until things really fell apart, and I had a huge mess on my hands, that I recognized that I needed help.