Page 3 - 2022 August Report

Resilience
Thoughts From an Early Morning Call
My cell phone rang at 3:15 a.m. That’s never good news. I don’t usually leave my cell phone next to my bed, but that night I needed to make sure I was up
by 4:00 a.m. to catch an early flight. I was excited about my trip, and I didn’t want to risk sleeping too long. I was headed to Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Oglala Lakota College President Tom Shortbull had invited me to his retirement celebration. His invitation was extended weeks earlier to attend an “Itanchan Kicicaga,” a ceremony for the making of a Chief. My invitation had little to do with me and everything to do with JSF. This was a privileged, once-in-a- lifetime experience that had befallen an undeserving white man from Florida. The honor was not mine. This invitation was the fruit of a long and endearing relationship between President Shortbull and JSF. I had the undeserving privilege to represent JSF, and I was both grateful and excited for the opportunity.
I kissed Susan goodbye the day before when I left for West Palm to pack for my flight. It was Susan’s voice on the line when I answered my cell phone at 3:15 a.m. She sounded groggy as she explained to me that she did not feel good. In the last few hours, she had developed a significant fever. She was concerned about my exposure to her and the potential implications of my visit to the people at Pine Ridge. In the next half-hour, she would find a COVID test in the house and call back to share that she was positive. There would be no trip for me that day to Pine Ridge.
At JSF we talk a lot about opportunities. Our mission “to assist disadvantaged people to obtain education and employment” is laced with the concept of opportunity. We fund grantees who mitigate challenges so people are afforded better opportunities to be educated and employed. We believe education opens doors to opportunity.
When Ted Johnson founded JSF, I believe he foresaw something special. In addition to serving students, JSF would also provide tremendous opportunities for those serving in the Foundation. Since you’re reading this, you are a part of us, and I am confident you understand exactly what I mean. The remarkable retention rate of JSF members is
Robert A. Krause
evidence of this truth. At JSF our culture is healthy in part because we all recognize and appreciate the tremendous opportunity we share in the pursuit of our mission.
Canceling my trip two hours before I boarded the plane reminded me of two realities. First, the opportunities through JSF are special. They are special for all of us. We’ve all known first-hand the blessing of participating in the work of JSF. Site visits, like the ones we’ll make in September, offer an insight not afforded to many. Participating in the grant process with respected colleagues, meeting and hearing from people working to create opportunities for others, and hearing from students are but a few of the exercises that make JSF participation special.
Second, while JSF aspires to be perpetual, we are here only for a season. Like most opportunities, the window for participation is limited. Recent retirements and canceled trips serve as stark reminders that we don’t get to do this forever. I trust we all share that feeling of gratitude for these opportunities. September has an extended agenda. I know if you can, you’ll make the most of the opportunity.
Susan recovered completely. She insisted I test regularly. I never tested positive. See you in San Francisco.
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