Throughout Darlington’s history, our alumni have been a driving force behind the advancement of our mission. It is easy for an alumnus, like myself, to donate money or time to Darlington. I am one who is proud of the education and life skills the Darlington family taught me and my siblings in our three years as boarding students. Returning to Darlington as the assistant director of boarding admission, I see a different role for alumni like myself.
I have translated my success at Darlington into a story that I am able share with my peers. This story involves one of maturation, academic challenges and a journey of moral understanding. This evolution is one that I did not share alone but rather with over 10,000 alumni who have lived within these walls. My journey through Darlington is one that I share with prospective families, friends, former coworkers and anyone I meet who asks about my past. It is not a tedious or arduous conversation that I have with my peers, but rather one I enjoy having. I love connecting Darlington to my successes as do those alumni I have come across. Without Darlington, I would not have my core foundation to learn with passion, act with integrity and serve with respect.
This is the task that I am putting forth to my fellow alumni – share your own story. When you come across friends, family, co-workers and other peers, mention your Darlington experience. Show them the value of your time spent here. Through my experience, this is not something we do enough of as alumni. Just spend a couple of minutes discussing your journey through Darlington and how it assisted you to become who you are today. Who knows, your peers might have children, friends who have children, or even grandchildren that could benefit from joining the Darlington family.
