Graduation

Today was graduation. It was a hot and humid day. The sticky kind of day that is gray and almost foggy with the moisture hanging in the air. Graduation was at 5 pm in the "Graduation Garden" behind the Gordon Building (House). It is really a very serene place with tall oaks and steps leading down a stone path to a semi-circle of arborvitae trees at the stage. The girls process down in pairs, wearing long white dresses and carrying baskets of daisies. They look so grown-up; simultaneously "old" and "young."

I love this day. It has so much meaning for the girls. This is the culmination of all their hard work, determination, perseverance, and strength. This is the day they dream about. This is the day they picture in their minds eye that represents becoming a young woman and leaving "home." For some of these girls Bryn Mawr has been their home-away-from-home for 14 years. Many of their childhood memories were created there. Whether it is reading in the nook in the lower school library, or sitting listening to the birds at the observation deck, or laughing with friends in the commons room. Today, they all love Bryn Mawr. Even the ones who rail against "the man (or should I say woman)." Today, they share a love of community and a love of place. It is a special day.

Today, the faculty processed in, and then the band started, and the girls walked down, hand in hand, under the darkening sky. Yep, just as they all took a seat on stage, the first raindrops began to fall. The Headmistress made an announcement directing people into Centennial Hall Auditorium (making sure the girls get there first). One minute later the sky opened up, lightening streaked and thunder pounded and people got soaked. I mean soaked.

In the end, I didn't get to see the girls graduate. The auditorium could not fit all the family and the faculty. Even the overflow space that had closed-circuit TV couldn't fit us all - people were packed like sardines in there. So I left. I was very sad about not seeing them get their diplomas. I was sad to not hear the graduation speech, or see the smiles as they hugged each other in celebration.

But I know that this is a story they are going to be talking about for a long time. I think this has only happened to a few classes in Bryn Mawr's history. That makes them special! What a story. They will re-tell it, and it will become lore.

So this is the end of the year. And just like the girls, I am looking forward. I am looking forward to next year; the next adventure. I always leave with a bit of optimism and I am very thankful for this. The moment I do not feel this way, I know it will be time for a change.

But today, the cooler air came in, the rain has stopped, and tomorrow is a new day.

History of Bryn Mawr School

Mission Statement:
The Bryn Mawr School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for girls from preschool through grade twelve. Within a nurturing environment, Bryn Mawr's rigorous academic curriculum inspires a passion for intellectual curiosity and emphasizes the delights and demands of learning. In the classical humanistic tradition, Bryn Mawr promotes the full development of mind, body, and spirit. The school cultivates respect for diversity and engenders habits of moral and ethical leadership and a sense of responsibility to the broader community.

A Bryn Mawr education is grounded in the expectation that young women will be resilient in the face of complexity, ambiguity, and change; will become responsible and confident participants in the world; and, will lead considered and consequential lives.

Isn't this what a school is supposed to be about???