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Keeping Perspective

Each year in late March, most of our seniors start to hear from colleges about their options for the future. As with most years, we already know of some truly amazing outcomes but there have been some disappointments as well. It certainly can be hard for me to keep perspective during this stretch, as I feel like each of our seniors deserves the outcome they are seeking; they all work so very hard on this Hilltop. I also think of our senior parents at this time, as they are also working so hard to keep the college process in perspective but can’t help but want to see their children have lots of options and see all of their dreams fulfilled.

Often this time of year forces me to reflect on my own college experience as well. I think to myself how glad I am not to be applying to college now, when the population has grown exponentially and the amount of top-tier colleges is the same as it always has been. Yet I am also reminded that in hindsight, my path for success was determined for me so much more clearly in high school than it was in college. I arrived on a college campus able to write, think, and work hard. I arrived knowing that doing well mattered to me, and I had the self -confidence to follow through on that belief. I like to think that I could have been happy and ready to take advantage of a number of college environments. Yet as I prepare for my twentieth college reunion this spring, I also can’t imagine it would have ever been possible I could have spent those four years anywhere else. I am quite sure that most of our seniors will feel the same way in twenty years, but it is hard to see that now.

No one is more committed to nor more excited by strong college results for Berwick students than I am, but I am also reminded at this time of year that the value of a Berwick experience is far deeper than the bumper stickers and sweatshirts we will see emerge within our senior families in the months ahead. Being a member of this community is an experience that, I hope, drives a sense of academic ambition and success for all of our graduates. All of these upcoming graduates are ready to do great things in this world. I also know that this process of elation, disappointment, coming to a decision, and diving into a new community is both emotional and foundational for our graduates. Both students and parents alike can’t help but reflect upon what truly matters when they go through this challenging journey.


I will continue to be excited as our seniors learn about more opportunities and ultimately decide where they are headed. But I am also excited for the dust to settle so that we can begin the important process of celebrating their careers at Berwick in earnest. The Class of 2016 is a remarkable collection of young men and women, and I am jealous of the schools that will get to work with them over the next four years.  But Berwick will remain the only place that was able to enjoy all of them as a unit. We have benefited from their diversity and their strength: in leadership, spirit, humor, and care. I am humbled by their accomplishments but even more impressed by their resilience and support for one another during this exciting but unsettling period of transition. We have been lucky to be a part of their collective journey, and I look forward to our remaining time together.

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