“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day. We rise by lifting others.” - Sally Koch
As we head into the weekend with the potential for inclement weather, I want to encourage everyone to stay safe and enjoy time with family as best you can. It is difficult to know the impact the storm will have on campus at this time. As always, we will alert everyone to conditions on campus as they unfold. If you still need to update your contact information to receive our emergency notification text/calls, please feel free to email [email protected] to let us know. We strive to be open and ready for learning as conditions allow.
On a very different note, I want to share a reflection with you in this time of uncertainty. I recently began following the Walk for Peace, a group of Buddhist monks walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. Truth be told, I actually began following their dog, Aloka’s, journey first, but their daily gratitude for the communities they encounter has drawn me in. One thought from this week reminded me of our James River community: “Each offering–whether grand or simple, elaborate or humble–carries the same precious weight. Each one is beautiful. Each one is meaningful. Each one touches our hearts deeply. What matters is not the form the offering takes, but the love and intention behind it. When someone pauses to create something, to bring something, to share something from the heart–this is the true gift. This is devotion made visible.”
As I watch our faculty and staff share their gifts with our students, parents, and each other every day, I am in awe of the simple acts of kindness, joy, creativity, and love. Our PA supports our community with yummy treats for faculty, kind notes, and events for parents to connect. These behaviors have more impact on our students than you can imagine. Our students learn empathy and kindness by watching the adults. I am grateful for a community dedicated to modeling kindness and joy every day.
Let’s Fly!
Jenn