For some, this probably feels like déjà vu. The start of school, opening day classes, old friends and new teachers, a jammed locker. For others, all this is new. The building, the routines, the people—it can be a little disorientating at times. But all of us are here, now. We’ve come together in this space, as we’ve done for as long as some of us can remember, to learn and grow for another fantastic year.  

Over the summer, I read a book called The Art of Gathering. In it, author Priya Parker asks us to consider why we gather. To what end? What is the purpose of this gathering? For us at school, we’re here to learn and develop into the adults we will one day be. Each one of us is at a different stage in our own journey; each one of us will absorb something different this year, something that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. A bewildering question in TOK, a new friend, a song in the musical, a message in Meeting for Worship, a goal, or a touchdown. Ultimately, we are here to discover and build ourselves, learn new things, and become better people. This year, as in all years, we will collectively share in the power of our community to achieve these goals.

As we enter into this new year, remember our purpose. Make decisions based on that purpose. And be conscious of the fact that we’re all in this together (so keep those masks over your nose). We should all feel like we belong here. Because we do.

To the class of 2025, welcome; we’re glad you’re here. To the class of 2024, you’re figuring it out, settling into good habits. To the class of 2023, hang in there; you’re almost ready. And to the class of 2022: take a deep breath, let it out. You’ve made it. And to all of us, remember: we only pass this way once. 

On behalf of the Whittier Miscellany staff and editorial board, welcome to the 2021-2022 school year. Go Blue!

Livingston Zug ’22 & Eden Cottone ‘ 22, Co-Editors-In-Chief