Let's care for our school

When I reflect on my time at The Burlington School and why I care so much for this place, I think about the word perseverance. When I was thirteen, just as I was about to enter into high school, I had nowhere to attend school locally that could accommodate a student that needed a bit more time than most. I remember feeling like I didn’t belong anywhere, as if life had now paused into a bubble that was due to pop at any moment; tossing my life out of balance. I had struggled in middle school and was diagnosed with a reading disability, and I was feeling the full effects of how emotional adolescents can be. The bubble did pop and all of the circumstances fell into place, I was enrolled with this institution that would be able to take the time and care to guide me through my education. I think about all of the teachers, classmates and family that instilled in me the deeper meaning of perseverance. But what the teacher’s and staff saw in me was someone who needed passion, and a little patience, so that eventually I could persevere. I know for a fact, I would not understand that word if it wasn’t for my time in this incredible school.

I meditate on where I am now, a college graduate with non-profit experience and the current Director of Development for the same school that instilled perseverance in me. I lean back only to lean forward again; knowing I feel a responsibility to this place that I so cherish. It may not be the same building I attended in high school, but it’s the same people and the same spirit, a spirit of perseverance. This school has lived so many lives, but throughout it’s lifecycle it has persevered. And I’d like to keep it that way. So, please contribute to the continuation of our school. Support the Caring for Our School Campaign and ensure that more kids like my younger self are given the passion, patience and perseverance to become our future.