Not in Our Stars, but in Ourselves

The week began with a total eclipse of the sun, something that will not happen again for another 20 years. Students and teachers alike were excited leading up to the event, and the anticipation built as safety glasses were distributed. A bright sunny day became a bit muted as the moon slowly moved over the face of the sun. Using our special glasses, we were able to see it all happen in real time. It is actually quite remarkable to consider that our moon, a very small, rocky body, could eclipse something as massive and powerful as our sun, which is 400 times the size of our moon. As the eclipse waned and the sun returned full force, we resumed activities but with an understanding that we had, together, enjoyed something special and uncommon.

I sometimes think about earlier generations’ reactions to such heavenly events. Because the sun has seemed godlike to many ancient cultures, it must have terrified them to see it covered over, the world plunged into night at midday during the more rare total eclipse. That must have been terrifying for people, farmers in their fields, children at play, sailors and travelers on the road.

But we do know that ancient astronomers could and did predict solar eclipses in many places – India, Mesopotamia, Central America, China. This frightening event did not signal the end of the world. It was part of the natural working of the universe. It could be predicted. So the movements of the sun and the moon and the stars are not personal messages for human beings, however tempted we may be to see them that way. They are not about us. In the movement of human history, we are on our own.

In life, the initiative is ours. Those things to which we pay attention and devote effort will bear fruit. Those we ignore will not. We have much more agency than we have destiny: our future is in our hands, and we can make of it what we will. That is why we believe so ardently in the power of our students to shape their future, and in turn, their world. We have seen it and we know it to be true. 

This deeply held belief in our students and their potential is what drives us to give and care for them. As with people, the institutions we care about will grow and thrive.  Those we neglect will wither. Teachers enter their classrooms each day with a lesson plan, a clear picture of what will be studied and how students will learn. Because our classes are small enough for teachers to see and know the different ways in which students learn, we are able to nurture their strengths and work with their growing edges. This is a tremendous advantage, enabling us to help them each discover their unique selves and believe in them. Likewise, our parents and alumni support the students of today through stewardship and engagement with the school.  

Just last week, we hosted alumni here on campus for a career panel. Alums working in fields like artificial intelligence and marine science were joined by others working in law and entertainment management. A wide and compelling array of careers were represented that day, showcasing for our students the incredible variety of avenues available to WardlaLAartridge students as they move out into the world of college and work. What makes it all possible is an institution that continues to evolve and grow. This requires energy, talent, time, and treasure. Last week, we held our annual Day of Caring, a special time when the entire LA community can join together to support programs, activities, athletics, and the arts by contributing financial resources to ensure we meet our mission to prepare students to lead and succeed in a world of global interconnection. 

I am grateful for the contributions of every participant in this year’s Day of Caring. The impact is immediate and collectively, we can do so much together to realize the vision of a dynamic and inspired future for each student. If you missed our Day of Giving, it is not too late to join the effort and make a donation.

And if you missed the eclipse, check out this timelapse video courtesy of PBS NewsHour.