Gusties, we made it! Today is the last day of final exams, and with it, the end of the fall semester. I invite you to pause for a minute. Take a few deep breaths. Reflect on the hard work that got you this far. Think back on the joys of being together in person. Focus for a moment on the challenges that you overcame. You did it. Congratulations!
As we enter the holiday break, my thoughts turn to celebration as they often do around the holidays. This year, however, I’m also thinking about rejuvenation and renewal.
We are all tired, and in so many different ways. The world feels heavy, and the fatigue of work and academics and COVID-19 is real. And yet, this holiday break offers us the opportunity to celebrate, to rest and recharge, and to spend time with loved ones. When I leave campus later this week and spend that first quiet night of break at home with my husband, Tom, we will plug in our Christmas lights, prepare a simple meal, and start a fire. Together, we will talk about the challenges we faced, the ways we have grown, and what we look forward to as we prepare to take on the world anew in 2022.
Gusties, I’m so proud of what we’ve done together this year, and how we continue to grow and adapt and care for one another. Even as we take this welcome break from our collective work, and most of us temporarily leave our home on the hill, I am looking forward to when we are back together again.
However you spend these next precious days, whether that’s with family and friends, or in quiet reflection, or by traveling to new places, I hope that you are able to find time for both celebration and rejuvenation.
Until next year, my wish for you is this: Be safe, be kind, and be well.
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Joyous Kwanzaa! Happy New Year!
With good holiday cheer,
President Bergman