Transitioning to Graduates
Throughout their senior year, students often live simultaneously in two moments, both present day and future. This has become even more apparent in recent weeks as the students approached decision day on May 1; they were preparing for AP exams, thinking about what to wear for commencement in June, and making the big decision about where to attend college in the fall.
Looking back at the college process for the Class of 2017 (and other classes who have come before), I am struck by the genuine support and care that students show for each other during the process. I have seen seniors cry tears of happiness over a classmate’s good news as well as tears of sadness when a peer did not receive the outcome she would have hoped. They feel the news so deeply because, during their time at Ellis, they have built a family for themselves, fostering the empathy that comes from their strong connection to one another. Their excitement is palpable when they announce for each other who “has been accepted to and will be attending” a college during our division-wide Upper School homeroom on Wednesdays. And, as we celebrated with them during the Tiger Tailgate last Friday, there were the inevitable tears from realizing that these are some of their final moments together as the Class of 2017. In their spontaneous huddle at the end of the event, they talked about how proud they were to be a part of this class, whether it was for 2 or 13 years.
From my vantage point, I know that while their time at Ellis is finite, the connection they have to each other is strong and enduring. In a few short months, they will come back to our campus as alumnae. Like other alumnae before them, when they return, they will be eager to not only share their story, but the stories of their classmates. They will remain connected with each other, sharing baby announcements, expressing excitement for each other’s professional accomplishments, and passing on everything from chili recipes to hard-earned wisdom. Ellis Alumnae provide guidance, support, and encouragement to their classmates. They reconnect, rekindle, and relive treasured memories with their classes, and create new ones with younger alumnae.
The Class of 2017 were freshmen when I started my tenure as Head of Upper School and are therefore the first class I have had the pleasure of seeing through the entirety of the Upper School experience. I have been able to enjoy many of those little moments along the way and I am looking forward to sharing their final big Ellis moment on June 8, 2017.
Envision Her at Ellis
If you're interested in exploring Ellis for your daughter, let's connect! Request information about enrollment, attend one of our upcoming events, or hear about Ellis from those who know it best: our students.
