This time of the semester—especially this final week of classes—always brings a sense of whiplash. Just last week, the weather was beautiful and flowers were beginning to bloom; this morning, I pulled out my winter jacket and walked to the office in the rain.
We begin saying goodbye to Seniors, wishing them well as they look toward life after Yale, while simultaneously prefrosh arrive on campus for Bulldog Days, excited and nervous about what lies ahead. Classes are ending, but some conversations and relationships are just beginning.
April always seems to hold too much—too many events, too many interesting talks, and not enough time. This week is full of promise, but also the start of goodbyes and endings.
If you’re feeling that same sense of whiplash, I hope you can lean into slowing down with intention and moving through the week with a bit more ease. Be gentle with yourselves—this is not an easy time of year. Take time to notice the flowers and to imagine new possibilities, even as you finish final papers and complete your last problem sets.
Most of all, I hope you can find moments to pause and breathe, and remember that your worth is not defined by whether or not your hopes for the end of the semester have been realized.
I hope you find space for rest and peace this summer.
To those graduating: we are so proud of you!
To those returning next year, come find us in the fall—we’ll be ready with ice cream and a listening ear!