Greetings Salem! As I think about each of you entering the “virtual” classroom today and over the coming weeks, I know that you, like me, are re-thinking what is “usual” or “ordinary.” Much of what we face is new—and carries unexpected challenges with it. It is most certainly not boring.
And yet, there is much that is the same. Salem remains a community of learners and teachers who change and grow by the moment. We read together, discuss together, watch movies, and do experiments together. We take exams, solve problems, and write papers. Our classrooms are way stations en route to a better world.
In each moment, we strive to be the best we can be as individuals, AND we do it together. These days the phrase “together alone” reflects that combination of individual growth and strength in community that is Salem at our best.
We will each hit technical glitches and make mistakes. We will each run into “normal” problems and joys that are no longer boring but instead extraordinary—because our context has changed.
Those extraordinary moments will remind us why we do what we do.
In my case, yesterday I met a Salem sibling (C’17) who stood across a hotel lobby from me (long story) saying “Salem Strong! We can do this!”
And you know what, she was right.
As we change, we remain rooted in who we are as we strive to move forward. That is our leadership from everywhere.
I look forward to the stories of Spring 2020 that remind us every day of how we are each extraordinary and each a leader. We are strong because we are learners and doers “together alone.” We are strong because WE ARE SALEM.
Best to each of you
Susan Henking
Dean of the College