This year there was no year book that I could use so I have shared a letter with you instead. Another letter I have was one of the best written ever. It was written by Marcus .
Too special to share. I am however sharing a special tree that grew beside New Cottage. It was cut down a few years later for new construction. It, along with the letter and so many other things will remain as memories.
Dear New Cottage Guys,
It is 5-30am on Sunday June 2nd 2002 and I am awakened at dawn, the birds are not singing yet and the notes of Elgar’s Nimrod from Enigma Variations are gently playing in my mind. I think of friendship and all of you.
Most years I write a little note about each student reflecting on our year we have spent together and that attribute of the student which has been significant in their year here but this year I think of you collectively. This year has been quite exceptional in the harmony of the dorm – from my perspective at least – and you should all be proud of that accomplishment.
I have had the pleasure of seeing most of you perform – some of you many times and others that I still await that pleasure. I have been amazed at the amount that some of you have taken part in other students recitals – a tribute to your talents and personality. To see a whole orchestra perform or a play come to fruition also speaks to me one community and friendships.
This year has been a year of friendships – of Marcus and Richard – putting their names together to name a new fragrance! Jeremy and Sam singing together and Sam and Koki adjusting to each others wishes. Hiroki and Jeremy allowing friends to visit with them in their room. Riley sharing his video equipment not only with the dorm but with students from other dorms. Todd sharing his smile with others and his bags of washing with me !!! Coby with his laid back California personality that gets along with everyone and Desmond – well what can I say – he has made it through 5 years at WHS and is still smiling. John with two different roommates and just going along with the flow in his quiet way and Greg succeeding in his music and all the lessons of life.
Thank you Richard for your steady dedication with all of your performances. You made so many friendships in this one short year and you had many successes.
Thank you Marcus for encouraging (along with others) your peers in personal fitness for your wonderful chats with me and your willingness to listen to others, for your ability to give sound advice.
Thank you Jeremy for your singing in the dorm that lightened our days and also your willingness to help – especially with the trash – thank you for your deep sensitivity.
Thank you Hiroki for your wonderful laugh and your melodic “Hiroki checking in.” That always makes me smile. Also your happy personality and willingness to learn.
Thank you Koki for learning to adjust to circumstances in life that cannot always be changed and sharing many stories with me about things that you enjoy.
Thank you Sam for your positive attitude and excitement with life – for you sharing your hopes and dreams with others- and for doing the dishes!!
Thank you Riley for your Southern good manners, respect for others and your dependability in doing anything that was needed.
Thank you Todd (my Andrew look alike) for helping me not to miss our son Andrew too much while he was at college. Thank you for allowing me to be mom when you were sick – your ability to smile and to conquer adversity.
Thank you Coby for making me feel good about what I do, for your close friendships with people outside of the dorm and your willingness to chat and learn from others.
Thank you John for listening to me so many evenings – with great graciousness – for sharing our similar taste in humor and comedy and your willingness to always help in any afternoon teas.
Thank you Gregg for putting up with me constantly telling you to clean up your room for your willingness in changing rooms, adjusting to changes and maturing as a person.
Thank you Desmond for your happy personality and your affectionate “Hi Mother Reid.” which makes me smile. For you sharing your musical talents – and your room – with the community.
These little pictures and thanks are just little vignettes of what has made this year
special and like a play, composition, symphony or ballet it is the putting it together that makes it fulfilling. Each musician, actor or dancer can be great in himself but to be
able to come together and be even greater is a lesson in caring, pride, community and also humility – to think of others and not only yourself.
The quality of the performances at WHS this year has amazed me so much and has
made me very proud to be part of this community. The community which has been
formed right here in New Cottage has been formed by each and every one of you.
To those leaving WHS I wish you happy memories in your mind, love in your heart and joy in your soul. To those returning – have a wonderful, restful, productive and safe
summer – see you in September.
Love
