Just last week, I was speaking with two leadership students about how challenging the month of February can be. The days are still short, the weather is often cold, and the start of a second semester is now squarely behind us. And lately, I find myself trying to digest the news that comes streaming on my iPod, phone, and laptop, and wondering: how do we stay positive, and forward-thinking, in light of recent events? My remarks at assembly focused on being the antidote by focusing on putting good energy into the universe, and remembering that we are so fortunate to be in a community that values and appreciates difference, and works to understand one another at a deeper level.

Happy New Year! 2018 howled in with the gift of two extra days of winter break, due to the major New England storm we experienced throughout the area. I am convinced that every member of our community enjoyed the slow entry back into our winter session and, as such, the pace has picked up once again.