Graduation 2022 - Courtney Quinn's Remarks

In a time when our national mood tends to division and polarization, you’ve invested in building relationships and working with other people, even and especially people who do not identify as you do - or think as you do. 

In a time when we’re hearing, all around the country, stories about avenues of study or conversation shut because they’re difficult or complicated, you’ve opened your dialogues wider, sharpened your analytical tools, and sought perspective and truth in the complexity. 

This takes NERVE. Connection and meaning are two things human beings need almost as much as food, shelter, and oxygen - but that doesn’t mean they’re easy! It can feel really risky to seek connection or to engage in complex questions! 

But in an environment that allows you to take those risks,  with teachers that encourage you, with parents that support you, taking those risks is what real growth looks like.

It looks like reading a book full of ideas that push your brain in all new directions, and not throwing it across the room in frustration.

It looks like being on a project team with someone who drives you crazy - and finding common ground that allows you to get the work done.

It looks like seeking help from a peer or a teacher when a math problem isn’t making sense, and deepening your relationship in the process.

It looks like debates where things get really intense, and feelings are hurt and you have to find your way back from that place into a place of community.

More than anything else, I think it’s moments like those that are the deepest challenge.  And through those moments - through the practice of bravely seeking out connection and meaning, through whatever discomfort or risk it presents - you’ve prepared yourself for what comes next - for the next big steps and big adventures. 

I’ll just say a few words to the parents of our graduates - because parenting, too, is an exercise in extraordinary courage - to paraphrase Elizabeth Stone, “ to forever have your heart walking around outside your body” - with all the vulnerability that entails. So I want to express my gratitude to you for your partnership with Fayerweather on your parenting journey - for your own willingness to seek connection, and meaning, through the complexity, in this community.  We value you and your kids so very much, and we’re so grateful that you’re part of Fayerwather.

Thank you - and congratulations to all our graduates.

Visit the 2022 Graduation Page!