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Do I take this new job? Do I stay? Do I meet this challenge of the unknown or do I remain safe in the harbor of known people, places and things? Do I take a chance?

For many years, one writer’s advice has provided me guidance through many of life’s conundrums. “Twenty years from now you’ll be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”*

I have taken those words to heart in many decisions, small and large. It would seem many others featured in Our Tennessee through the years and in this issue have as well. In the following pages, you’ll read stories about forging new partnerships, finding ways to combat violence, using personal pain to help others or moving to a small town from an island nation. Each required someone to “Explore. Dream. Discover.” They took a chance.

In all our lives, we must step into unknowns, not knowing what lies on the other side of the decisions that may make us or may undo us. How has UT helped you leave the safe harbor behind and take the chance of your life? Let us know at ourtennessee@tennessee.edu.

Jennifer Sicking,
Executive Editor

*(According to the Center for Mark Twain Studies, the quote has been falsely attributed to Mark Twain but actually written by Sarah Frances Brown and included in P.S. I Love You by her son, H. Jackson Brown Jr.)