Looking forward: Bold possibility this fall!

 

Students, hello from our beautiful Naz campus! I have loved my conversations with you these last several months, as the spring semester wrapped up successfully and we started to look toward fall. You have told me that what you are most looking forward to this fall is learning in person, being together as an inclusive community, engaging in hands-on learning, and enjoying meaningful and fun gatherings. You want to see the impact of your contributions, not through a Zoom filter, but live and in person in the classroom, in our community, and beyond.
 

As I spend time with you, you also have shared stories of life during the pandemic and the societal dynamics of the last year. It has been a complex emotional time, including feelings of loss, fear, frustration, sadness, and more. As psychologist Karen Munn shares in this recent podcast on the Summer of Healing, college students have been through a lot and it is often AFTER the crisis that we feel the most anxious. As we emerge from the pandemic, and we are prompted to drop the worry and vigilance, we may feel vulnerable and we may need support and space to transition to the new dynamics of our times. I encourage you to acknowledge your experience and come together with your trusted loved ones to reflect on this time and listen to each other. It is often in sharing our stories and our truths that we can together embrace change and move forward. 

 

And I am confident we will move forward. Because you’ve also told me that you marvel at your persistence and resilience, finding strengths you didn’t even know you had. You have expressed a spirit of gratitude, discovery, and a newfound boldness.
 

So I wish you a summer of sweet, well-deserved freedom, togetherness and understanding, as well as joy in anticipation of our coming year of discovery and bold learning adventures at Naz. 

 

Ours is such a giving and inspiring community. And we are here for you.

 

Here to listen.

Here to share.

Here to learn.

 

Here to help each and every one of you feel empowered to achieve your fullest potential with hope and a renewed spirit of bold possibility!