SAPA Love
Dearest SAPAs (past & present),
You rock my world. You make me laugh; you make me emotional at inopportune moments; you add purpose and meaning to my life. Over the years, so many of you have become my friends and I love you and your dedication and passion for the cause. You give of yourselves and your time so freely and with so little reward, only to help others have the wonderful experience you had abroad.
I hate study abroad recruiting events. There, I said it. Hate. I only do them because I know they're what it takes to grow these programs. But when the planning, stressing, agonizing and panicking is done, I get to lean back and watch the show. I get to listen to your stories - some funny and some weird. I get to watch "my kids" shine and inspire those around them, and it makes it all worthwhile.
It never ceases to amaze me what insights you discover about yourself and the world. Just tonight at another epic 2-hour parent panel, Brent spoke to the fact that the world had become his family, and how he feels a closer connection to the news, because they are more real because of the people he met. The nostalgia and sadness for those you left behind was palpable in the room, but so was the pride in the growth you all experienced. You had these parents at the edge of their seats for two hours.
I have seen each of you grow and flourish and become more confident, more well-rounded and more awesome people ;) over the years. I take great joy and pride in watching and nudging you along the way. To the graduating SAPAs: I will miss you and your spirit immensely. You have helped me through challenging times, and I appreciate each of you.
You are an inspiration.
And in the words of Senator William Fulbright, "International education exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that nations can learn to live in peace."
Well, then. Thank you all for the impact you have had on my life. And let's hear it for World Peace.
Warmest regards,
Heidi
You rock my world. You make me laugh; you make me emotional at inopportune moments; you add purpose and meaning to my life. Over the years, so many of you have become my friends and I love you and your dedication and passion for the cause. You give of yourselves and your time so freely and with so little reward, only to help others have the wonderful experience you had abroad.
I hate study abroad recruiting events. There, I said it. Hate. I only do them because I know they're what it takes to grow these programs. But when the planning, stressing, agonizing and panicking is done, I get to lean back and watch the show. I get to listen to your stories - some funny and some weird. I get to watch "my kids" shine and inspire those around them, and it makes it all worthwhile.
It never ceases to amaze me what insights you discover about yourself and the world. Just tonight at another epic 2-hour parent panel, Brent spoke to the fact that the world had become his family, and how he feels a closer connection to the news, because they are more real because of the people he met. The nostalgia and sadness for those you left behind was palpable in the room, but so was the pride in the growth you all experienced. You had these parents at the edge of their seats for two hours.
I have seen each of you grow and flourish and become more confident, more well-rounded and more awesome people ;) over the years. I take great joy and pride in watching and nudging you along the way. To the graduating SAPAs: I will miss you and your spirit immensely. You have helped me through challenging times, and I appreciate each of you.
You are an inspiration.
And in the words of Senator William Fulbright, "International education exchange is the most significant current project designed to continue the process of humanizing mankind to the point, we would hope, that nations can learn to live in peace."
Well, then. Thank you all for the impact you have had on my life. And let's hear it for World Peace.
Warmest regards,
Heidi
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