The Pierian spring

I had a teacher in high school who used to chide us if we got too full of ourselves. “A little learning is a dangerous thing,” he would say. “Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring: There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain, And drinking largely sobers us again.” The teacher was quoting Alexander Pope, an English poet of the 18th Century.[1]

According to Greek mythology, the water of the Pierian Spring, located in ancient Macedonia, was a source of knowledge and inspiration. Pope’s poem says that superficial knowledge (“shallow drafts” from the spring of knowledge) only confuse and intoxicate. But acquiring greater knowledge (“drinking largely”) is sobering. In fact, the poet goes on to say that, when you become more knowledgeable, you gain greater perspective and better critical judgment.[2]

This week I was pleased to salute 15 CGH employees who have been “drinking largely” from the spring of knowledge. CGH’s annual Rose Awards ceremony honored 15 students who achieved new levels of educational achievement within the past year: one high school Regents Diploma, three Associate Degrees, six Bachelor Degrees, and five Certificates.

Employees who continue their learning improve their careers and benefit CGH, as well. Ultimately, their skills and abilities benefit the patients we serve.

Continuing one’s education while working in not easy. It requires self-discipline, a lot of midnight oil, and the support and understanding of one’s family. The loved ones of working students deserve praise and congratulations, as well.

Please acknowledge these members of the CGH family for their educational milestones. Each honoree received a Rose Award this week.

• Scelena Bressette, Respiratory Care, Bachelor of Arts (Biology), Lemoyne College


• Dedra Brown, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Keuka College


• Julius Brown, 3 West, Associate Degree of Applied Science (Nursing), Onondaga Community College


• Melisa Delaney, ED, Certification in Emergency Nursing


• Patricia Francescotti, 3 West, Associate Degree of Applied Science (Nursing), Onondaga Community College


• Leah Neider, ED, Certification in Emergency Nursing


• Andrea Neulander, 2 West, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Nazareth College


• Martha Savage, Nursery, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Keuka College


• Kolanda Scott, Information Services, Bachelor of Professional Studies in Applied Computer Technology, Syracuse University


• Jennifer Shaffer, Medical Imaging, Bachelor of Science (Nursing), Lemoyne College


• Shanise Singletary, Food Service, Regents Diploma, Corcoran High School


• Nancy Thompson, Financial Services, Master Certificate in Health Administration, Syracuse University


• Susan Tiby, Nuclear Medicine, Certification in Nuclear Cardiology


• Dea Wilson, 3 West, Associate Degree of Applied Science (Nursing), Onondaga Community College


• Kurtis Wilson, Nuclear Medicine, Certification in Nuclear Cardiology

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[1] Alexander Pope (1688 - 1744) is regarded as one of the greatest English poets.
[2] Pope, Alexander. “A little Learning.” You may read this 18-line poem at the following web address: http://www.poetsgraves.co.uk/Classic%20Poems/Pope/a_little_learning.htm