Gratitude, Coffee, and Connection

There’s something about this season that makes me reach for an extra cup of coffee — not because I need the caffeine (okay, maybe a little), but because it feels like the perfect companion for reflection.

November has a way of slowing us down just enough to look around and say, “Wow, look at all that’s happened this year.” In the whirlwind of classes, conferences, meetings, and student successes, it’s easy to forget to pause and simply be grateful.

So today, I’m raising my mug to all of you: the teachers who go the extra mile, the coordinators who make the magic happen behind the scenes, the learners who show up with determination, and the colleagues who keep this community strong and full of heart. You are what makes adult education so special.

Coffee, for me, is often the spark that starts a connection, whether it’s a morning chat with a colleague, a brainstorm over Zoom, or that quiet moment of “I see you” between two people doing this important work. It’s in those little connections that big ideas and renewed energy begin to brew.

So as we head deeper into the season of gratitude, take a moment to savor your own cup, whatever that looks like for you. Reach out to a fellow educator, send that thank-you email, or simply take a breath and remember: you’re part of something meaningful.

And if you ever want to share a cup (real or virtual), I’m all in. Because gratitude and coffee taste best when shared. Schedule a time to chat with me or connect with me on Mondays at 12:00 p.m. Central Time (1:00 p.m. Eastern Time) via Zoom.

Your turn:
We’d love to see what fills your cup this season! Share what (or who) you’re grateful for — or snap a picture of your favorite mug — and tag @IAACE on social media. Let’s spread a little warmth, one cup at a time.

Jenn Wigginton

Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn