Tuesday Newsday
It always seems like we have a lot going on on Mondays, so today I am catching you up on some news.
For P’25s and transfer families – your students got their issue of Letters So Dear yesterday. For any of you who have new students who are experiencing some of the normal struggles and self-doubt that are the hallmarks of the start of college, I hope this message will resonate. Here’s a snippet to whet your whistle:
“Don’t allow the belief that you are the only one experiencing hardship to dismay you. Naturally, while we tend to experience true joy as a public emotion, we conceal our struggles from each other….I promise you aren’t the only one experiencing hardship. I promise you are in a place where you are cared for in ways greater than you can ever imagine. When the time comes and you find yourself realizing that the “best four years” doesn’t necessarily mean everything is going to be perfect and easy, let someone else show you how much they care for you….You’re in a place where there are no wrong doors. You simply have to pick a door, walk through it, and allow the person on the other side to care for you in their own unique way.”
In addition, this week’s Weekly Message for First Year Families is about midterms.
For P’24s, your Deacs got a message yesterday about Major Exploration Week. And they were sent a second message today that expanded on the options for major exploration.
Students have the opportunity to sign up for a Bystander Intervention Workshop. Though one took place this afternoon, there is another on the 30th that your Deacs can sign up for if they wish. See the graphic for details.
On the news front, two things to mention. First, the 2021 Annual Crime and Fire Safety Report is now available on the Wake Forest University Police website. Second, this week’s issue of Wake Forest in the News is available, for all who wish to see where Wake Forest faculty, staff, and students are showing up in national and regional media. Be sure to check out the article about the IdeasCityWS Marketplace of Ideas festival downtown that will be happening on Family Weekend.
Speaking of Family Weekend, the Rosenblatt Family Hillel invites Jewish families to the following Family Weekend events: Friday: Chabad x Hillel Shabbat Dinner – 7:15 p.m. Chabad House (121 Idlewilde Drive). RSVP at www.wchabad.org/family. Saturday: Dessert Havdalah – 7:45 p.m. Manchester Fire Pits (lower quad). RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/ft7xvs3c
Finally, a bit of news about my role at Family Weekend. My Class of ’27 son was exposed to a COVID cluster in his high school band class. While he has tested negative, to my great shock I just tested positive, so I am in isolation, which will last through Family Weekend. I was so looking forward to seeing all of you during the weekend’s events, and hate that I can’t be there now. The silver lining here is I am feeling pretty normal – only two minor COVID symptoms – and I am thankful the vaccine is doing its job and keeping the major issues away from me! I am grateful to be a very, very mild case.
If I continue to feel pretty normal, my plan is to keep Daily Deacing throughout the rest of the week. Like all the best-laid plans, we adapt as needed and play the hand we’re dealt 🙂