Homecoming

I am constantly in the process of becoming myself, and I owe a large part of my identity to my education; not just the material I learned for tests, but the human experience of existing in a community devoted to joyful learning. Specifically, I think of St. Stephen’s and its school prayer:

“Create in this school on a hill, Lord, respect for the earth, peace for its people, love in our lives, delight in the good, and forgiveness for past wrongs. Seeing our life as a journey together, empower us to make a difference in the world, with open minds, open hearts, and open doors. We pray in the name of the One who knows us and loves us. Amen.”

It always seemed daunting to make a difference in the world, until I realized that a difference can be as small as making just one person smile. My education at St. Stephen's was about becoming a whole person, not just an academic unit, and I have returned to that passage for 11 years. It has not failed to guide me towards the kind of person I want to become.

I have started again on the Hill in a new role as the school’s Alumni Engagement Officer, and I am excited to promote that message among our current and former students. A school is more than just a group of people; it is a transformative force in the world, and I am proud to be working to promote respect for the earth, peace for its people, love in our lives, delight in the good, and forgiveness for past wrongs. Our life is a journey together, and we will make a difference in the world.

With love,

David