It’s easy to forget that we may be living through our generation’s defining days. My parents were impressionable young children when their generation-defining period came during World War II. I know from family stories that the experience left its mark. My parents were frugal, patient, and seldom took things for granted. (It’s hard to imagine that they went through four years of constant deprivation and uncertainty while we’re starting to complain after sixty days.)

This pandemic is a shared shock. I can’t think of another event that has so suddenly, concretely, and completely disrupted the whole of everyday life.  And it’s happening to everybody at the same time, in every community and workplace, with impacts expected for a long time to come.

The disruption made me adapt to new ways to get things done. We’ve all adapted personally and professionally. At George Mason University, I greatly respect what our leadership and my colleagues have done in quickly moving thousands of classes online, continuing the education of tens of thousands of students, and now celebrating the graduation of our newest Patriots next week. I particularly applaud the achievements of our Masters in Real Estate Development graduate students and faculty in the face of challenging conditions.

Disruption pushed me to adopt new skills that will last. Our Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship recently produced our first webinar in a series of planned virtual events that will become a permanent part of our educational programs. More importantly, disruption gave me new perspective – what can we learn from this experience? How can we change to become better in building communities where we can live together with a higher quality of life? (At the very least, if most of us end up washing our hands often for the rest of our days, we’ll be a healthier society.)

Even as I’ve stayed home these past weeks, I’ve been spending a lot of time reconnecting. I’ve had virtual college and high school class reunions, talked to some people I haven’t seen in decades. I’ve gotten more texts, calls, and video chats from family and friends across the country and overseas. I’ve done an online sing-along session with my old high school drama group. One of my friends said at the end of a Zoom get-together, “Let’s do this more often. Let’s not waste the technology.” That’s another thing I’ve realized – to appreciate the technology that has allowed us to learn, work, and connect in these not so normal times.

I look forward to when we can gather together in person and collectively establish a new normal where we will be more resilient and appreciative of our shared connections!

Eric

Eric Maribojoc
Director, Center for Real Estate Entrepreneurship
George Mason University School of Business
Volunteer, ULI UrbanPlan Program and Member, ULI Panel Advisory Services Honorary Association

In ULI Washington’s new Leadership Insights column, ULI Washington will regularly feature member leader’s thoughts and insights as we adjust personally and professional to a “new normal.”