Take 5 with Brian Calhoun

Brian Calhoun

Associate Professor of the Practice, Department of Education, at Wake Forest University

1. How do you define success for yourself? What has helped you to be successful?

Success is helping others to succeed. I have enjoyed connecting mentors and colleagues to students to insure they are aware of the vast resources that are available here on campus.

2. Think of a time that you faced a challenge, obstacle, or roadblock. How did you get through that and what did you learn?

Obstacles will always be present in our lives, it is how you respond that makes you who you are. I share the obstacles/challenges faced by long distance swimmer, Diana Nyad, in class (author, long distance swimmer). “To be is to do” – (attributed to Socrates) – never give up! Nyad was able to successfully complete the swim from Havana to Key West when others said it could not be done (fourth attempt, at the age of 64).

3. Who are your people (either by name or role) who help you to be successful/confident/intentional/reflective/any other descriptor you want to use? And how have they helped you?

There are so many people who have helped me along the way, and I am grateful for each and everyone of them. I also let them know of my gratitude.

4. How did you find your people?

Our people find us – just have to be aware and ready!

5. What advice would you give to Wake Forest students as they look for their people?

Take a chance to start a conversation with someone new. The opportunities are endless on a college campus.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Live in the moment.