Superbowl serendipity

According to Merriam-Webster: Serendipity was coined in the middle of the 1750s by author Horace Walpole. Prior to Walpole, the word did not exist in the English language. Here's how he described his lexical innovation: “This discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call Serendipity, a very expressive word, which, as I have nothing better to tell you, I shall endeavor to explain to you. . . . I once read a silly fairy tale, called “The Three Princes of Serendip”: as their Highnesses travelled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of . . . now do you understand Serendipity?”And this is how I met Bill Taylor – a happy accident with an inspirational leader always with sage wisdom and foresight.As a graduate student nearing the end of my funding, I was deep into analyzing my white-tailed deer telemetry data using LOCATE II software to triangulate bearings (before GPS collars were affordable). My eyes would glaze over as I entered bearing after bearing to generate locations for 150 deer and then lock myself in my makeshift office to write feverishly into the night. I repeated this routine day after day, until those days turned into weeks and months. But on the evening of January 26, 2003, I was offered a welcome reprieve—one that would change the course of my career and life, thanks to what I now call “Superbowl Serendipity.”That night, a fellow graduate student (now my husband) invited me to his lab's Superbowl party at Dr. Bill Taylor's house. It was a much-needed break from my analysis and writing. Keep in mind, this was a “fisheries” lab party and I was on the “wildlife” side of the equation. At the time, Bill was concluding his service as interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and returning to his role as Chairperson of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU).When we arrived at Bill and Evelyn Taylor's home, we were immediately greeted by their Springer Spaniels, Maggie and Huxley. The house was warm, and the smell of Bill's famous spaghetti sauce filled the air.After meeting a few of the new (and former) fisheries graduate students, I plopped down on the couch to watch the football game - and happened to sit next to Bill. He promptly turned to me and said, “Hi – who are you?” Embarrassed that I hadn't met him earlier, I introduced myself as a graduate student working on a white-tailed deer research project. I was writing up my research and hoped to graduate this summer. He laughed, saying he wouldn't hold it against me that I was in wildlife. Then he asked what I planned to do after graduation.I explained that I had an incredible research project radio-collaring deer across southern Michigan, with one of the highest fawn survival rates in the nation. But what I loved most about my research was the PEOPLE! I cherished sitting down with landowners in my study area, sharing a cup of coffee and discussing the deer they saw on their property. I valued how the DNR biologists took the time to understand how my research might impact their deer management decisions. Over a dozen undergraduates worked with me on my research, I enjoyed mentoring them about graduate school and life in general. And I appreciated the local hunters’ interest in learning about the deer movement patterns, especially in the fall. For me, it was less about deer and more about the people – I truly loved working with people. Bill looked at me and smiled a knowing grin.Our conversation only lasted five minutes – five serendipitous minutes that would change my life. Bill invited me to meet with him the following week to discuss an opportunity that might align with my passion for working with people.The following week, Bill and I met, and he offered me an opportunity to serve as the assistant to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Statewide Council. In this role, I worked closely with the director of the Department of Natural Resources and assisted division chiefs of all land management, administrative divisions, bureaus and Eco-Unit Team leaders. My responsibilities included preparing meeting agendas, recording minutes, and providing general support for the Council's activities related to developing ecosystem management processes and structures. Little did I know this opportunity was a “test” that would ultimately pave the way for nearly 15 years of future opportunities working with Bill.After graduating in July 2003, I started my first “real job” in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at MSU. I quickly discovered that Bill also had a passion for working with people. We both thrived in social settings, enjoyed collaboration, devised audacious ideas, and drew energy from interacting with others. From 2003 to 2018, while I worked as a wildlife outreach specialist in his department, Bill and I collaborated on at least 30 different initiatives, both large and small. Here are a few examples of the initiatives; Bill supported and empowered me to: Assist the Governor Appointed Chronic Wasting Disease Task Force Program in the development of a comprehensive statewide plan to address the threats of chronic wasting disease in a preventive way that limits impacts to Michigan's wildlifePartner with state, federal, tribal, and university collaborators to develop a National Fish and Wildlife Health Toolkit to assist state agencies in assessing their wildlife and aquatic health preparednessCollaborate with University officials and stakeholders to build shooting sports and education center on the MSU campusTeam with the Boone and Crockett Club to establish a Boone and Crockett Club Professor in Wildlife Conservation and the first Boone and Crockett Club Wildlife Extension SpecialistInitiate and launch Michigan Catch & Cook Program, a unique partnership that allows charter anglers to take their catch to a participating restaurant for a memorable meal of fresh-caught fishCreate an innovative program to connect a new audience, young professionals, to hunting, fishing and conservation by building on the “locavore” and sustainable eating/living trend while emphasizing hunting, shared use, and the health benefits associated with eating wild gameDevise the magazine concept, SPOTLIGHT, to highlight graduate research within the Department and give students the opportunity to communicate the significance of their work to non-scientific audiencesParticipate in several leadership development programs including Conservation Leaders for Tomorrow, Great Lakes Leadership Academy (formerly Natural Resources Leadership Project), National Conservation Leadership Institute, and LEAD21Co-author numerous presentations, conference proceedings, and articlesWhen I think of the attributes of a leader and mentor – I think of Bill. His compelling vision inspired me and others to work toward shared goals with enthusiasm and purpose. Bill encouraged innovation and creativity by challenging assumptions, viewing “no” to his plan as merely a starting point, and championing new ideas. He motivated and energized others by fostering optimism, building confidence and encouraging a sense of shared purpose. Bill always provided personalized support, mentorship and fostered my development. Here are a few examples of the uplifting emails I received from Bill over the years.When Bill hired me into the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, he said his primary mission was “to help me acquire the skills and experience necessary to better prepare me for the next step in my career.” WOW! Bill helped me grow both as a person and professional by fostering my strengths and sharing his knowledge, experience, adventures, and trials. Many of my successes can be attributed to his unwavering support, sage advice and constant friendship.One of Bill's superpowers is his keen sense of intuition about people. He has an exceptional ability to understand individuals on a deeper level, often recognizing synergies and potential connections that go unnoticed by others. Bill's unique insights enable him to anticipate strengths, motivations, and opportunities for collaboration, fostering relationships that maximize both personal and professional growth. As a mentor, these attributes are invaluable. Bill was my guide - lighting the paths that may align with my natural talents and aspirations while connecting me with people, resources, or opportunities that would ultimately enhance my overall development. As a mentor, Bill doesn't just offer advice but provides personalized guidance that helps individuals unlock one's full potential, creating a ripple effect of growth and success.Looking back, all my educational and professional experiences have shaped who I am and where I've arrived today. Many of my early opportunities helped me discover what I enjoyed, what I didn't, and where I might want to steer my career in the future. These experiences also introduced me to new ideas, projects, and people. If I were not to embrace that first opportunity Bill offered to me in January 2003 – who knows where I may be right now. Instead, I now have the privilege of serving as the Director of the Great Lakes Leadership Academy within MSU Extension, where I strive to carry forward and expand upon the leadership values Bill so generously instilled in me.In February 2003, Bill copied me on an email to another FW faculty member and I truly believe this epitomizes Bill's lessons and legacy: “. . .we have excellent students and I hope you are pleased that I try to provide experiences for them that will stretch them, make you as the mentor and us as a department look great, and provide for well educated professionals for tomorrow who care about each other, us and in making the world a better place to be.”*****Bill, words can't fully express my gratitude for your friendship, mentorship, and unwavering support. You've made an indelible impact on my life and I'm deeply grateful to you.