By Thomas Philip
There’s no denying it: This was a school year for the ages.
As I said in my remarks at Brunswick’s graduation, seniors of the Class of 2021 endured not one, but four epic historical events in their senior year alone. The pandemic, of course, was one. But that global struggle was also accompanied by an historic economic collapse, significant political upheaval, and racial and civil unrest.
Underlying all of that was the general sense of unease and anxiety that was part-and-parcel of the year. Feelings of uncertainty, isolation, frustration and, frankly, fear were all shared to greater or lesser degrees.
So, this is a year we’ll never forget.
But as hard as it was for so many, my takeaway as the year wound down was one of overwhelming pride in the spirit and resilience of our youth and hope for the future that awaits them.
Seniors of the Class of 2021 missed so much: Opening class trips, athletic seasons, sit-down meals with friends, field trips and school dances, class meetings and assemblies — I could go on. Yet, as different as our masked and distanced school year was, I couldn’t help but be struck by how much managed to remain the same. At Brunswick School and Greenwich Academy, full, in-person classes met every day, friendships began and flourished, learning and curiosity abounded, and challenges were faced and overcome.
In many ways, I could say the same of our nation.
Despite the adversity the year brought, despite the work that remains, it’s probably worth reflecting for a moment on all that was achieved under the most daunting of circumstances.
An apparently effective vaccine was developed and administered with stunning speed; despite the obvious polarization of our politics, a peaceful transition of power was effected after our national election this past November; our economy has rebounded with stunning strength and, thus far, our judicial system has proven capable of fairly adjudicating the George Floyd tragedy that, last summer, served as such a catalyst for police reform and social justice.
As with all things, perspective is really – REALLY – important.
Certainly, there is much to be concerned about (this is probably always true). But there’s also no denying the fact that much in our world has never – ever – been better. The news and the ease and accessibility of social media tend to give us and our kids a disproportionally dire sense of things. But it’s important to remember that, generally speaking, the facts prove otherwise: The world has never had so little poverty, so few armed conflicts, such widespread medical promise, so much appreciation for the differences amongst us that make us collectively stronger.
As we remind our boys often, challenge tends to bring out the best in many. Just consider how our first-responders so selflessly stepped into the breach during the worst of the pandemic, how swiftly an otherwise divided government enacted legislation to stem the worst economic impact of the local and national business shutdown, how communities and businesses responded and reacted to calls for greater racial equity.
As so, the end result is that our community and nation seem well on the way to recovering from what may well have been — and still is, in many areas — one of the most widespread medical disasters in history. And we are coming out of it more aware and sensitive to needs and rights of others, more conscious of the importance of an ordered and respectful society, more grateful for the bravery and dedication of the overwhelming majority of police and first-responders, more conscious our own ability to be resilient and courageous when tested, and (we hope) more appreciative of the good that can come when we work together for the betterment of all.
America is a special place – one of the greatest forces for good in the history of humanity. And seniors of the Class of 2021 are more prepared than ever to continue that trajectory long into the future. They are an honor to know.
