It is the season of graduations.
This note is for our graduates, children and youth.
To College Grads. You are entering the adult world. I remember how that
felt. It was very exciting and a little bit scary; Being responsible not only for
yourself emotionally, physically, but financially as well. I know for today’s
graduates, it is harder than it has been in years to get a job, and I know that
can be depressing. I recommend, as you look for work, if possible, live with
your folks, look for work and volunteer. Doing volunteer work can help you
feel good, and you will be helping a cause or group that is important to you.

You can only spend so much of your day looking for work. Try not to be too serious. I know that the world can seem overwhelming, but look for the humor, a good laugh can always help the soul. My hope is that all
of you will have jobs you like, if not love, that you find joy even in the mundane, that you have and find love and compassion, and that you will always find time to help make this world we share a better place.
Congratulations, and welcome to your adult life.
Families of graduates report:
Katie Bicking, daughter of Molly and Chas, graduated with honors from Commonwealth College of UMass Amherst. In June, she will attend International Language Institute) in Northampton, MA.

This summer she will take an intensive course in teaching English to speakers of other languages. She would like to travel and teach English.
Caroline Claflin will graduate this weekend from Rhode Island School of Design.
Emily Floyd graduated from Smith College.
Jeremy Foster graduated from UMass Amherst and will be starting a computer job at Unica.
Conor Rice received his degree at University of Vermont.
To those of you going off to college. Enjoy! Follow your passion and be open to all the new things that will come your way. This will be the first time that many of the decisions you make, you will make alone, trust yourself, listen to your heart, and sometimes call home for help, for love — and so your family knows you are okay, but most of all, Enjoy! There is so much to learn, about
yourself and the world. Explore, be open, and remember to take care of yourself.
Congratulations!
Anna Finbury graduated from Northfield Mount Herman School and will be studying art in the fall.
Eli Grober is graduating from Phillips Academy, on Sunday, June 7, and will be attending Columbia University in the fall.
Skye Schirmer is graduating from Andover High School, on Monday, June 1, and will attend Mass College of Art and Design in the fall.
To all youth and children moving from one grade to the next. Have fun!
There is so much to be part of and learn about. You are all learning to spread your wings, and when you fall your family will be there to pick you up. So take a few chances, don’t be afraid to fail. Great things can come from failing. Congratulations!
Emily Field will be graduating West Middle School and will be attending Phillips Academy in the fall.
Congratulations to all our graduates!
In Peace, Thea

Posted by Thea Shapiro, DRE on May 27th, 2009