THRIVE
2021 Commencement On June 4, families and faculty gathered to celebrate the 48 members of the Class of 2021 at AIM. Senior speakers Téa Salvatori and Jared Wilen spoke about the challenges the class had faced experiencing senior year in the midst of a pandemic, but more importantly shared the ways they have grown at AIM. Commencement speaker Jordan Strauss, who has worked from Philadelphia to the White House to Afghanistan and is an executive at the global advisory company Kroll, shared his advice with students including reminders that the challenges of their most unusual senior year have made them stronger. Words to remember from this inspiring event include: • “How we ended up at AIM is one thing, but how we’ve grown while we’re here is a true testament to the people we’ve become and the careers we are yet to hold.” - Jared Wilen • “AIM has always taught us to be fearless learners, advocates for change, creative thinkers, and leaders in our communities, so may each and everyone one of us take those lessons into our lives after AIM and continue to inspire those around us, teaching the value of resilience, perseverance, and kindness.” - Téa Salvatori • “Most of the people you meet will not have had the privilege to be raised and educated in this environment, or have really ever had to overcome anything. Be patient with them, and when they do or say things that you know are inconsiderate or unthinking, meet them with compassion, not anger. Compassion and understanding, not anger, changes the world.” - Jordan Strauss 12
