Bube Osaji ‘22 News Reporter
The wonderful thing about the theme “Making a Difference” is that its meaning varies greatly among all of us. The building blocks of our lives are the pieces of knowledge we have acquired, from basic skills like reading and writing to making a good friend on the playground.
We often fail to realize what differences we make or even the differences others make in our lives in the Mercersburg community. Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down (socially distanced of course) with Chris Howes, Assistant Head of Student Life and Culture, to discuss the grander picture of Making a Difference, what it means to the school community as a whole, and what it has to do with the world outside of our bubble. “With making a difference you need to understand that you need many perspectives,” Howes said when talking about the intricate work that went into designing this year’s theme. Making a difference is a theme that resonates with students, especially during a time as decisive as this one.
As a slogan, Making a Difference did not come out of thin air; it was carefully thought and laid out so as to connect seamlessly with the school’s mission. “We want students to be as involved as possible, and are branching out to the various strands of learning to achieve maximum involvement. This is why you see this topic [Making a difference], in meetings, workshops, and even summer reading. Now is the time to talk about civic action and engaging in your community. You are the future leaders who will go out into this world and make that impact,” explained Howes.
Although it is still too early to tell what the future holds for us in these uncertain times, as we are reaching the end of the first semester, the positive feedback thus far has been overwhelming; school meetings and voices of students have been a great medium to get this conversation going.”
Although the future is uncertain those in the student life office are doing their best to forecast the circumstances at hand and make the most of our year, be ready to see more activist speakers and workshops in the Winter and Spring. The schedule is not set in stone. “The coronavirus has changed our school and that has caused us to have to deal with issues along the way,” said Howes.
Making a Difference is a challenge to us all. Howes said, “Making a Difference is understanding the power we are given to shape our future and others’ future.” This year, given the circumstances of the world now more than ever we have an amazing chance to sit down and reflect: what does making a difference mean to me; what does it mean to you? What difference can I make for myself? What difference can I make in this world? Do not forget that this charge is not a competition but a way to bring our diversity and differences together to solve problems.