2008 Woodie Awards
Letter: Senior Expresses Gratitude
Issue date: 5/13/05 Section: Opinion
Dear Editor:
Senior celebration was just last night, Tuesday, April 19. I had so much to say and yet could not say it while remaining coherent at the podium. I have no problem with tears or breaks of emotions, but a total collapse and needing an escort off the podium was not what I wanted. Isn't it typical to be brilliantly focused before going up to speak as well as walking home, but not at the moment when it is your turn to say that which is most profoundly in the heart.
We have had a cerebral ride but we have had an interactive one as well. I tease that my social life (i.e. entertaining friends) has dwindled so much, I wonder if I will graduate and in exchange for the learning experience find I have lost that ability to cook and have an open door policy for drop-in visitors. Yet, just as my life adapted to Smith, it will adapt to the next phase, but this time I will be richer in my life for this experience.
What would I have said? First, "thank you!"
I thank the professors for their true passion for teaching and seeing me as an interested student. I am actually quieter in the classroom than I am in my regular life and they helped change that for me.
I thank Erika, who interviewed me, and saw something that enabled her to put me in this program and to Pat in the Ada Office who convinced me that inoculations would be a low hurdle to jump in order to come to Smith.
I know some of you more than others but for all of you I say "thank you" for just being you. Thank you for lively discussions where a healthy exchange of ideas was welcomed. Each and every time you trusted me to enter your world even for a moment you honored me. None of us knows how we might have affected someone just by holding a door, giving a smile or a wave, or even commiserating about things that didn't go well. I thank you for friendships that will be with me forever. Each time you trusted me or let me trust you, you strengthened me. I happen to believe that life isn't perfect nor is it always fun, but it is the journey we take once born and it is the journey that is the important part. For me the angels on earth are you - each of you. We are not alone nor do we make it alone. I have extraordinary friends who have been tremendous in their support.
Senior celebration was just last night, Tuesday, April 19. I had so much to say and yet could not say it while remaining coherent at the podium. I have no problem with tears or breaks of emotions, but a total collapse and needing an escort off the podium was not what I wanted. Isn't it typical to be brilliantly focused before going up to speak as well as walking home, but not at the moment when it is your turn to say that which is most profoundly in the heart.
We have had a cerebral ride but we have had an interactive one as well. I tease that my social life (i.e. entertaining friends) has dwindled so much, I wonder if I will graduate and in exchange for the learning experience find I have lost that ability to cook and have an open door policy for drop-in visitors. Yet, just as my life adapted to Smith, it will adapt to the next phase, but this time I will be richer in my life for this experience.
What would I have said? First, "thank you!"
I thank the professors for their true passion for teaching and seeing me as an interested student. I am actually quieter in the classroom than I am in my regular life and they helped change that for me.
I thank Erika, who interviewed me, and saw something that enabled her to put me in this program and to Pat in the Ada Office who convinced me that inoculations would be a low hurdle to jump in order to come to Smith.
I know some of you more than others but for all of you I say "thank you" for just being you. Thank you for lively discussions where a healthy exchange of ideas was welcomed. Each and every time you trusted me to enter your world even for a moment you honored me. None of us knows how we might have affected someone just by holding a door, giving a smile or a wave, or even commiserating about things that didn't go well. I thank you for friendships that will be with me forever. Each time you trusted me or let me trust you, you strengthened me. I happen to believe that life isn't perfect nor is it always fun, but it is the journey we take once born and it is the journey that is the important part. For me the angels on earth are you - each of you. We are not alone nor do we make it alone. I have extraordinary friends who have been tremendous in their support.