June 7, 2020
Dear Juniors:
Last week, I asked you to reflect on your experiences this past school year. And I just got around to reading all of those that were turned in. I skimmed quickly through some-familiar cliches of roller coasters and bittersweet memories and sentiments of missing a big part of junior year and such. I gave these students their points quickly-like they gave me their words- and moved on. I moved on to those that offered me more-deliberate detail, dedicated drive, and insightful nuggets of thought. What they deliberated on, I delighted in. I smiled at the turn of some of some sentences, or summoned an image or emotion that their words stoked. I appreciated each earnest effort. As I reflect today and share with you all my revised reflections, I hope that you find in them some earnest attempt at reminding you to detail, deliberate, and delight.
Like all of you, I began this year with goals and a plan. I shared those often with you and invited you to help in carrying out the details as my educator vision cannot succeed without your full engagement. I invited it, cajoled it, demanded it, and summoned it daily. For most, it was a Big Bang, and we profited together from your input and growth. I admit too that I did not 100% succeed but I think most of you can attest that I tried again, often, and daily. I tried earnestly and all hour. It was my duty to you, my moral obligation, and my expectation of myself. And I would have done so all year- had the year taken its expected course. It did not as you all know. So, we found ourselves scavenging for different methods and manners to continue our learning journeys. I had so many expectations of our new learning medium and of you. However, my expectations were curtailed-for many reasons that I can share if you like-and I found them humbled, humiliated, and honed down. For that, I was initially disappointed. I know that you are always the first to pay most for humble expectations. However, something happened that changed my course of thought. I opened the door for you to select your way of reading and composing and much poured in: poetry, painting, sculpting, music, fiction, photography, food preparation, gardening, finger painting, and more. I was heartened to witness your investment in yourself and your ability to dwell in the freedom of your choices. It was all good. And I intend to still put all of your submitted work in one place and begin next year showcasing it. That is next year’s plan.
Speaking of plans, I reflect with you on my next point- Making and keeping them. So many of us often delay making them, abhor living by them, or bereave losing them. This year, I learned that while I make my plans, other plans are in the making. Our lives are the intersections of many plans. As you all know, I was planning on flying to Lebanon this summer to attend my daughter’s graduation from The American University of Beirut’s Urban Planning Master’s Program. Together, we were planning to visit several neighboring countries and bask in cultural and creative offerings. I had planned on joining a friend from high school who now lives in Toronto on a trip to Vancouver in August and driving my youngest son to his driving lessons and tournaments. I was planning on get togethers, reunions, projects, and more. And now, today, I see that many of those plans have faded. We are sanctioned and stationed, and must therefore shift our views to new shores and new plans. I am in the process of doing so. My plans are not yet final, but I am finding that they may hold in their folds promising prospects. I think I will mold them into something good.
Yes, it is true that life as we have known it shifted fast. And it is also possible that what we have known may never be our normal again for quite some time, if ever. But it is equally true, I believe, that we may be pleased with our new normal as we fashion it. So, let us live it. Let us live it with every morsel of mind and intention and authenticity possible. Let us live with purpose and passion. With a goal of healing ourselves and the world around us. Let us not take without giving and let us not be mere riders in someone else’s bus. You each have a voice in you that speaks your story. Live it as you help others live theirs.
Here is one of my absolute favorite poems for times of struggle:
Spend your summer with purpose,
Dr. Kassem