Thanksgiving Eve. A time where we all pause to be thankful for what we have in our lives. As families and friends gather, laughs are shared and conversations are had. In my house, our conversations have focused on what we are thankful for this year. Then we were discussing politics. 

One of my biggest blessings in life is that both sets of my parents always encouraged me to speak the truth and follow all my dreams. Ditto from four sets of grandparents. Amongst the security of family, we have always been unfiltered in discussing our beliefs and values and why we believe what we believe. 

But I understand that many don’t understand the home life that I grew up with and I am accustomed to. I understand many go through the holiday season alone. I understand that many have never had anyone that they can be their unfiltered, raw, authentic self with. And to me, that is the biggest tragedy of life, when the greatest of these is supposed to be love. 

I’m the big sister, thus, I don’t understand what it is to have a big sister. My siblings are 9-14 years younger than me. So when they ask me to do something, I always try to accommodate them to the best of my ability, because they are the first humans that stole my heart from the day they were born. 

Politics. We were discussing the ongoing news saga of the Interim President Manny Diaz. I was being asked for my unfiltered opinion and thoughts. I responded jokingly that no one was ready for my unfiltered opinion and thoughts. Mind you, I interviewed him in early October. 

For me, I have to truly wrap my mind around something before I am able to articulate to another person. This mindset has held me back in the past and it is something I am working through as I continue to develop a growth mindset. 

But hours later, at our own homes, my baby brother was texting me asking me if I had considered writing an article about Interim President Diaz. To which I responded that I was trying to keep my head down, stay in my own lane, fill my resume, and get my piece of paper. To which he lovingly reminded me that I am a leader and sometimes leaders go against the current. Oof. 

In a time of government shutdowns, food insecurity, upcoming holidays, losing a classmate, and the many other things crossing our news feeds, I choose to use my voice to be light in the darkness and positivity amidst a sea of negativity. Even if I am accused of “toxic positivity”.  Because sometimes, we are fighting battles that no one knows about, and some days you are just trying to survive the 24 hours in front of you. 

I met with Interim President Diaz on Thursday, October 2nd in his office. I was armed with 13 questions. Ten of those questions, I had submitted in advance. Three of them were things I wanted to ask that I thought of on the way in. 

Takeaways from My Time With Interim President Diaz

Respect. Although it is not the norm in journalism to provide your questions in advance, I choose to do this to the best of my ability as I am able. I think it shows respect for the other person, the position they hold, and their time that they are giving you. It’s taking your words and beliefs and putting them in action. One of my added questions was if I could please be added to all press releases and press related events. He immediately agreed, and as I was leaving, he took me to his secretary, and I was added. My perception of this was that he saw the respect I gave, and he gave me the same respect back. 

Father. When in the privacy of my own home and being asked about Diaz, I responded that he was a girl dad. I was then asked what that has to do with anything. The fathers that I know that are girl dads have a unique ability to give softness with firmness, steer the never ending roller coaster of emotions, and be a place of refuge and safety. Diaz has 4 children. I also have 4 children. Four kids is just a different carnival that you just can’t understand until you’re the ringleader of it all. 

Lead from the front. I believe in leaders leading from the front. Leading from the front shows that you are in this together and negates a “us versus them” mentality. Leading from the front shows the shared hardship of being in the trenches together and shows that no task is beneath you. Since coming on campus in July, I have constantly seen Interim President Diaz all over campus. From my personal perception, his hands-on approach of  immersing himself in the UWF culture and day to day life has been impressive, encouraging, and a standard to strive for. 

Community. As I asked Diaz my questions, he answered with all the right answers, in my opinion. However, the common theme of his answers was community. In asking and discussing measurable goals, Diaz’s experience, his “student-centered” philosophy, tuition and state appropriations, free expression and civil discourse, the topic kept coming back to community. Diaz explained to me how a cohesive community that is connected and communicating makes our culture, our campus, and our town a better community for those that live or visit here. 

When I asked what he loved about Pensacola, he said its natural beauty. Agreed. No explanation needed. 

Of all the things being said about Diaz, perhaps the most notable, in my opinion, is that he was the first Hispanic Commissioner of Education in Florida history. Being first in something is not always easy. Making historical progress is heavy. I think this one achievement of Diaz’s says that he understands who he is and where he came from, he’s not afraid to blaze trails, and he knows how to navigate the upper ranks of leadership.

Change is inevitable. To everything there is a season. Growing brings about stretching. I think that Interim President Diaz is reaping some of the benefits of things Dr. Saunders implemented in a Reaganomics-esque type way. I also believe in the leadership, expertise, knowledge, and integrity of the UWF Presidential Search Committee who recently named him the sole finalist. 

All in all, I have been impressed with Interim President Diaz. He exhibits qualities and characteristics of the many attributes that make up Argo Nation. 

Have a wonderful Fall Break! I hope you and yours are able to connect and celebrate the sense of community that this holiday was founded on. 

This year, I am most thankful for healing and growth. 

Remember, be kind always. You never know the battles other people are fighting. And, throw positivity around like glitter and do it so much that they label you toxic. 

Peace, love, and happiness, 

Megan Walters

 Note: This editorial is published in lieu of a formal article regarding the interview with Interim President Diaz.