As many seniors anxiously await decisions from the colleges of their choice, I can't help but marvel at what the process has become. At the age of 41, I foolishly think I am not too far removed from the college application process. My generation waited for acceptance letters in the mail. GASP!
This week I witnessed a video online of a young student sitting by the computer awaiting notification from the college of his choice. He was surrounded by family all hovering about and peering over his shoulder. Undoubtedly with a pounding heart, he opened the email from the institution of his choice. A double click away from the next four years of his life.
They simultaneously read the email and pandemonium erupted in the room. A great, triumphant moment for the young man and his family. It made me smile. Watching a dream come true for a young man or woman is always smile worthy. Of course, the video went viral because he heard the word yes. This will play out millions of times across the country in the coming weeks.
It is impossible for me not to wonder, what would the reaction be if the 3 letter reply he hoped for (yes) was replaced with the dreaded 2 letter answer, NO! Knowing his family is anxiously awaiting a yes, I imagine "no" would have been crushing.
I fully recognize sitting in my position it is easy to tell students, don't worry, it will all work out, but I honestly believe it will. If you do not get into college #1, #2, or even numbers 3, 4, or 5, it will work out; you will end up where you belong. The college that accepts you is lucky to have you, and to the ones that said no, well use that rejection as fuel to demonstrate the colossal mistake they made. In moments like this, it is difficult, but nonetheless important, to keep perspective. If the most devastating moment of the year is a rejection letter, then life is splendid. Know that your family and friends are proud of you no matter what.
I am sharing a New York Times article I read nearly two years ago. Below is a portion of the article I find particularly poignant. After being turned down by the colleges of his choice, a mother found a beleaguered and devastated son. She wrote him a letter. I included a portion of it below. It will all work out. I promise!
Dear Matt,
On the night before you receive your first college response, we wanted to let you know that we could not be any prouder of you than we are today. Whether or not you get accepted does not determine how proud we are of everything you have accomplished and the wonderful person you have become. That will not change based on what admissions officers decide about your future. We will celebrate with joy wherever you get accepted — and the happier you are with those responses, the happier we will be. But your worth as a person, a student and our son is not diminished or influenced in the least by what these colleges have decided.
If it does not go your way, you’ll take a different route to get where you want. There is not a single college in this country that would not be lucky to have you, and you are capable of succeeding at any of them.
We love you as deep as the ocean, as high as the sky, all the way around the world and back again — and to wherever you are headed.
Mom and Dad
Frank Bruni is an Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times. This essay is adapted from his book, “Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania.”
Martin Espada Visits CCHS
By Alex Spence & Eric Rivera
Poet and professor Martín Espada visited Concord-Carlisle High School on Thursday, December 8th to direct a poetry workshop for the students in the new interdisciplinary class Twice-Told Tales and to conduct a poetry reading for the community. Martín Espada has published almost twenty books as a poet, editor, essayist, and translator. The Republic of Poetry (2006) was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. His honors include the Shelley Memorial Award, the PEN/Revson Fellowship, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
Twice-Told Tales read Zapata’s Disciple (1998) and Martín Espada’s most recent collection of poems Vivas to Those Who Have Failed (2016). Under the guidance of the esteemed poet, students produced and performed powerful work about the history and ancestry of their names. About the experience, a student wrote, “the name poem made me realize new things about how my name connects to my life in ways that I never thought about before.”
Martín Espada’s afternoon reading drew a packed audience in the auditorium. The poet’s powerful reading – which touched upon issues of race, loss, beauty, and art – gave the CCHS community a powerful, thought-provoking experience.
It was a wonderful day with the poet Martín Espada, who in the opinion of many, carries on the tradition of Pablo Neruda, Clemente Soto Vélez, and Walt Whitman.
Thank you to the Concord Ed. Fund for making Martín Espada’s visit possible.
Student Newspaper
Read the Voice! The New Schedule, Teacher Interviews, Advice Column, Christmas Cookies, CC Hockey, and More!
Sports Update
We will not provide updates for all games on a weekly basis, but will rather provide some highlights and features as the year progresses. You can find schedules on the Schedule Star website.
Further, you can find additional information on our athletic website.
For the first time ever, girls swim defeated Lincoln-Sudbury in a duel meet. CC 94 - LS 92They are now 2-0
Boys Hockey won their opener 2-1 against Leominster
Warriors 4 Warriors
Four years ago this week, we dropped the puck for the first annual Warriors 4 Warriors -Patriots for Patriots Benefit Hockey game. With little expectation, we, the LS Boys Hockey program, gathered to sell wristbands by the LS cafeteria and promote the event on social media, hoping to get a few friends and family to come out to support the memorial fund of a man who inspired us in many ways. Many of us didn’t personally know Scott. All we had were stories of a hardworking, team-first kid who made an impact on everyone he crossed paths with. Scott left a legacy on our community, and whether we would admit it or not, starting this game was a way to honor a man who we all secretly wanted to become.
On December 15th, 2012, we took the ice with expectations of playing just another high school hockey game. It wasn’t until we took that first step on the ice that we knew we were a part of something special: a packed house of 2,000 fans, youth players proudly represented in their team jerseys, hundreds of our closest friends and classmates, teachers, and most importantly, local military personnel. Everyone who has played MA high school hockey knows that on a regular night, you’re lucky to fill a small corner of the arena with your parents and a few friends. The opportunity to play the game we love in front of thousands of fans was a night many of us will never forget. The fans, however, were only a part of what made that night so special. Stepping on the ice, you felt as though you were a part of something bigger. With Scott’s presence felt throughout the arena, every player knew this was more than just a game. Coach Elenbaas and Mr. Milley’s opening comments solidified that feeling.
Four years later, few people could have imagined what this event has become, a rink filled with thousands of fans dressed in navy and white and maroon and gold honoring a man who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s been inspiring to watch both the LS and CC communities embrace this event, and even more inspiring to see the impact this event is making to support the work of Scott’s Foundation. I urge everyone who has attended the event to check out our website at www.lswarriors4warriors.com and see the lives of the soldiers, of the wives, of the daughters and sons that YOU have affected. Scott’s organization has done incredible things for soldiers and their families during some very tough times. To everyone who has ever purchased a wristband, t-shirt, or made a donation, please know that your support has made an incredible impact in your local community and beyond. We are grateful for your support and participation in this meaningful event.
I write this letter asking all members of the LS and CC communities to come together once again for the 5th annual event next Saturday, December 17th. Each donation, large or small, goes to a foundation that supports those that deserve it most. The over $50,000 raised in the last four years has done so much good in this world. Most importantly, however, I urge everyone to help us keep Scott’s legacy alive. At the end of the day, this game was started to keep Scott’s memory in the hearts and minds of the community. This community is one that Scott made the ultimate sacrifice to protect, and a community that the Milley family has done so much for.
Thank you, and I look forward to seeing everyone on December 17th!
Jordan Dow
LS Class of 2013
Two teams. Four towns. One Family.
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