"This is Why" - Moments in Time

I found it hard to believe when I learned last month that the movie "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" was released 30 years ago. As Ferris says in the movie, “life moves pretty fast” and I was reminded of this as I reflected on the school year here at Darlington.

While recollecting all that happened, I found myself asking, “Did I take enough time to recognize and celebrate the moments in time?”  

Our students accomplished a lot in the classroom, on the fields, in the music rooms and on the stage. For example, our third- through fifth-graders designed and advocated for a new play area for the Thatcher Hall campus. It has been reviewed, approved and now constructed.  We also began construction on the renovation of our track and field spaces in Chris Hunter Stadium. Seniors chose their college destinations. New students were enrolled, new faculty hired. The Class of 2015 graduated. “Life moves pretty fast.”  

We must value each of these achievements as moments in time and worthy of pause and celebration. Consider the school year; in reality, it is a moment in time on our educational journey. Did we make the most of this year? As a school and as individuals, we need to be able to answer in the affirmative each and every year. Certainly, we have big goals -- making a varsity team; nailing an audition; acing an AP class; getting into our desired college, medical school or whatever else it may be. At the same time, it is equally important to celebrate the journey. Ask, “Did I challenge myself? Did I do my best? Was I a good friend?”

My advice to myself? Enjoy the process and try to make life move a little slower. Luckily, I will have the photo above from the Darlington Class of 2015 to remind me to enjoy the moments. For these students, graduation is a special moment the both culminates their experience at the school and catapults them forward into their next adventure. For me, this group will always be the first senior class to graduate from Darlington during my time here. So we need to remember the moment because “life moves pretty fast.”