Grandparents Day Reflections

On Tuesday, we celebrated Grandparents Day—one of my favorite days of the year! I loved the unadulterated joy grandparents radiated when they saw their grandchildren in action and when they had the chance to step, even briefly, into their lives on campus. It was equally special to watch how our students changed in their presence. In some ways, they became younger, more vulnerable. I loved seeing the care our students showed as they proudly guided their grandparents around campus, helped them with lunch in the dining hall, and included them in their classes.

To our grandparents, thank you! Thank you for your investment in your grandchildren’s education. Your support and belief in the value of learning play a key role in their success. Thank you for joining us on campus with such open hearts and evident curiosity. Our faculty loved having 130 new, engaged “students” in classes on Tuesday. Thank you also to the many grandparents around the world who could not make it for this event, but who no doubt are supporting from afar.

A question I get on repeat from grandparents is: Do students realize how lucky they are to be here? (This question is usually followed by: How do I apply?) 

I wholeheartedly believe that our students recognize and appreciate the opportunities they have at Brewster. True, teenagers don’t always express gratitude in ways that are obvious, but I see it in the small moments. I see it when they light up as they introduce their grandparent to a favorite teacher. I see it in the pride on their faces when they show off their work and share their campus with visitors. On a daily basis, I see it in the ways our students do the little things that tell me they are invested in our community—the way they hold doors for one another, work respectfully in groups, and hustle to get to class on time. These small actions show me they value their experience and want to do their part. 

Teenagers can sometimes take a lot of criticism, but I see regular examples that counter the narratives of disaffected youth. I see our students take out their phones to take photos of sunsets and friends, not just scroll through social media (sure, they also post those photos on social media, but they do value the moment!). I see them leave their rooms to join kickball and lead clubs, not sequester themselves watching Netflix. I see deep civic curiosity and engagement, not apathy. And I see students who take the time to slow down. To sit by the waterfront and talk with friends. To take walks on the rail trail. To linger over dinner with friends in the dining hall. 

Yes, I am convinced that our students recognize the gift they’ve been given and the investment their families are making in them. And days like Grandparents Day remind us all of the powerful network of love and support that surrounds them. Seeing that devotion only makes us want to work harder to nurture their growth and help them make the most of their high school years.

Onwards to Fall Family Weekend!