Bright Eyed and Bushy Tailed

There’s nothing like freshness; the quality I like to call bright eyed and bushy tailed.  This is not a condescending statement.  We can all benefit from young, yes, young, inexperienced, maybe even somewhat naïve, but willing to learn and ready-to-take-on-the-world attitude.  Squirrels always look wide-eyed with their bushy tails; and ready for anything.  Awake and alert.  That’s what I think about when I think of this phrase; and it just makes me smile.  I had the opportunity to work with several interns once.  They were all in college; still at least a year from graduating, but oh so ready to make their contributions to the world.  Their enthusiasm was infectious.  Even though they only had theoretical knowledge of the industry, they were so eager to learn and do their best on whatever task – big or small.  It was invigorating.  Every day they had questions, many questions, some basic ones, but many thoughtful and deliberate. And oh so grateful!  Their gratitude showed almost on a daily basis; and not a perfunctory thank you, but genuine appreciation for the opportunity.  It made for a great summer.