On Oct. 7, UTEP Press hosted a book signing to celebrate the publication of its first book in 20 years, in collaboration with Air University Press (AUP). “Get Back Up” is co-authored by The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) President Dr. Heather Wilson and General Dave Goldfein. The book explores lessons on diversity, respect and resilience they experienced personally.
Both authors started out their careers at the United States Air Force Academy and later continued their careers in public service. Although they took different paths, Wilson became a member of Congress, and Goldfein continued serving in the military. The two reunited to write a book with the most important lessons they have learned in leadership.
President Wilson has come a long way since her days in the Air Force Academy, from becoming a Rhodes scholar, to a congresswoman and now being UTEP’s president. However, she made it clear that all those achievements wouldn’t have been possible without taking risks. President Wilson is aware that many students are taking leadership positions in their community and acknowledges how intimidating it may feel.
“There’s a lot of lessons in the book. One of them is to learn from others, to read the stories of other leaders,” Wilson said. “One of the things that this book is about is that it’s not about you; it’s the mirror and the institution you’re trying to be, and to be worthy of those who trust you and are putting you here. If you have that attitude, your work can inspire more people to follow and to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”
The authors also emphasized that being in a leadership position is more about the people one serves, and the relationships formed with them rather than about the individual themselves.
“One of the things that took me a while to learn, and I probably should have figured it out earlier, was that when I was a young leader, I was focused on the work,” Wilson said. “As a young woman in the military in the 1970s and 1980s, I felt I had to prove that I deserved to be there. But what lasted far longer than my work were the relationships I built. Building trust and relationships over time made more of a difference in my leadership journey than I ever knew when I was younger.”
Even though the book is inspired by stories that happened through government and military experiences, it also aims to inspire all generations to engage in leadership within their communities, whether they are members of the military or not.
“One of the obligations of having educated yourself is to make a positive contribution to the community, which in there’s tremendous satisfaction,” Wilson said. “Whether that’s a community organization you are involved with, or even a professional society.”
The book was a moment of reflection on life-changing events that turned into helpful lessons. As times change, Wilson and Goldfein wanted to leave something tangible for the younger generations.
“It was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. It did take us two years, because we both have day jobs, but it was actually more fun than I thought it was going to be,” Wilson said. “I think we produced something we are proud of and proud to leave to our grandchildren and to our students.”
The book’s proceeds will support UTEP’s scholarship fund, helping students in need to pursue their education. “Get Back Up” is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers for nonmilitary readers. Military members can obtain their copies courtesy of AUP.
Vivien Noe C. is a staff reporter at The Prospector, and may be reached at [email protected]
