O Here’s To Wake Forest
Many thanks to our new families who attended our Flourish in the Forest sessions on Wednesday and Thursday nights this week. As soon as we have the recording from those sessions, I will share it on our Orientation videos page. Also of note, part II of Just for Parents and Families: Help with the College Transition session was posted there this morning.
Today we joyfully welcome our sophomores back to campus, and then juniors and seniors on Saturday and Sunday. As we continue Move-In, I want to offer – in the spirit of our fight song, which says O here’s to Wake Forest, a glass of the finest – a toast to the new academic year. May your students have:
Wonderful friends, and the discernment to understand that it’s ok if those friendships shift throughout the year
A class or professor that sparks their academic passion
At least one extracurricular activity, club, or organization that brings them connections and social fulfillment
The patience and wisdom to know that the above won’t all happen in the first month, but will take time
The ability to live in the present moment, and to find beauty and magic in the ordinary as well as the extraordinary
Lots and lots of laughter
The bravery to ask for help when they need it
Late night conversations with hallmates or friends debating Life’s Big Questions
Enough moments of discomfort to help them grow, and the ability to sit with that discomfort
Beautiful Quad sunsets and full moons
A growing sense of who they are, what matters to them, where their gifts and talents lie, and how they want to live their life as an adult
The communal joy that comes from shared experiences like a great athletic win, Hit the Bricks, the Lighting of the Quad, the Lovefeast
A spirit that is willing to try new things, consider new viewpoints, engage with new people
The security that comes from knowing there are people at home who love them unconditionally
(And for moms, dads, and loved ones, may you have the comfort of knowing your students are in a place where we care about them, the wisdom to allow them to be independent and forge their own path, the fun of knowing their friends, and the joy of watching them unfold and grow into who they are meant to be)
May your Deacs – and you! – have all this and more. Let’s make it a great year, Daily Deacdom!
