My Life Stamp

As a youth with little a plan,
My dad oft asked,
“What footprints are you going to leave in the sand?”

It meant little then,
But with time,
This became a motivating line.

If up to me,
What will be,
My ultimate legacy?

…

Then I realized something you see,
It is up to me,
My ultimate legacy.

Social media, search,
Mobile, and more,
Leave digital footprints on the floor.

Digital shadows,
If you will,
Following all that I fulfill.

My grandchildren and great grandchild,
What will they see and think of me?
What is my digital legacy?

…

My legacy,
You see,
Is truly up to me.

That’s my view,
But, now I ask,
What will you do?

~ Erik Qualman

Author Erik Qualman recently addressed the NCAA DII delegates in San Antonio, Texas. He shared his work, What Happens on Campus Stays on YouTube, with his listeners – highlighting key pieces for success. The opening lines were from his poem, My Life Stamp where he shares about the importance of a digital footprint. Far too often living in the moment gets captured digitally and then not easily forgotten.

Qualman’s book is clearly relevant for our family, friends, teacher candidates – all of us really.   It is an easy-to-read book with real-life applications with noted Action Items and Learning Moments for the reader to consider. Look for our next post as we want to share a few highlights from Qualman’s book that stood out to us. In the meantime, we encourage you to read the book or at the very least consider your digital footprint.

“We don’t have a choice on whether we do social & mobile,
the choice is how well we do it.”
~ @equalman

Stay Calm & Lead On!
Profs Dr. C. & Dr. V.