is changing, but our hearts are not,” as stated by Sophie Chatas, Upper School Student Council President, in her convocation speech. Your support of the construction project was much appreciated. You modeled patience and tolerance through this year’s construction. You have been leaders on the Robotics Team and members of band, choir, and strings. You helped take us to the states in cross country, diving, golf, swimming, tennis, track, and to championship level play in many sports over the last four years. I remember with fondness the Red Out at last year’s basketball tournament. You filled the gymnasium dressed in CSG spirit wear and supported our Unicorns with enthusiasm. One of our most exciting days this year was Senior Day. We arrived at school and entered “The Big Top,” and enjoyed a day at the “circus” complete with colorful wall hangings, carnival games, and cotton candy. Most notable is that you worked together as a class to provide an experience that engaged all age levels in a magical day—and all on budget! I even know that you sent notes to everyone who helped you make the day a success. Your respect of yourself, each other, and those around you has warmed all of our hearts. You have worked diligently to be able to sit on this veranda today. You have spent hours studying and helping one another achieve great academic success. Your zest for learning has inspired us, and sometimes it challenged us to find new ways to engage you in problem-solving and analysis. We are proud of you, your achievements, and your character. You are young women of integrity who are bright, hard-working, and innovative. You are ready to explore and lead. In my tenure at our beloved CSG, I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of girls and young women, and my roles as an educator and as a mother have given me wonderful insights into the journey from childhood to adulthood. I have found deep meaning and great joy in each of these roles. You have taught me lessons about reaching for goals, forgiving others, growing courage, and finding joy. As you leave CSG and begin a new journey at places like Duke, Furman, Miami University, and University of St. Andrews in Scotland, please spend some time thinking about the person you are and the person you want to become. Be intentional about your choices and direction. This is an important moment in your life. You are now entering the next phase where you will make decisions about what you will do, with whom, and when. Eleanor Roosevelt so elegantly stated, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” So, please indulge me one last time, and let me offer what many of you have called, “Tips from Terrie.” I offer you 10 tips:
The PYCers said it best when they told me, “Brave means you are a little scared…you just have to go up and shake hands.”
5.
Be a woman who is on time and uses good manners. Enough said.
6. Be a woman who laughs easily and often. Find the humorous side of daily life and celebrate it with others. People are drawn to those who smile and laugh. I love Charlie Chaplin’s quote, “To truly laugh, you must be able to take your pain, and play with it!” 7. Be a woman who is reflective. Take time to ponder life – your life. Enjoy the many wonders of the world. Walk in beautiful places in silence – and think. 8.
Be a woman who is curious. Explore and experience all sorts of new things. Attend operas, go kayaking, read classics, study nature, build a camp fire, learn to grill chicken on a gas grill, find a book of poetry and be absorbed by the words. “A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom,” says Robert Frost.
9. Be a woman who is fun! Be playful; enjoy simple pleasures in life. I have loved playing on the playground with CSG girls and young women, competing in faculty versus student athlete sports events, walking with you on the CSG Scholarship Walk, and doing all sorts of fun and silly things. You have helped me find pleasure in life’s daily moments—and I am grateful to you. 10. Be a woman who sees the best in the world:
“What’s the best thing in the world?
June-rose, by May-dew impearled; Sweet south-wind, that means no rain; Truth, not cruel to a friend; Pleasure, not in haste to end; Beauty, not self-decked and curled Till its pride is over-plain; Light, that never makes you wink; Memory, that gives no pain; Love, when, so, you’re loved again. What’s the best thing in the world? —Something out of it, I think.” By Elizabeth Barrett Browning
It has been an honor to serve you all these years. Forte et Gratum to you, girls—with all my love."
1.
Be a woman with vision and dedication. Figure out what you want to do and work hard to make it happen. Ask questions, listen to others, conduct research, and read a lot. “Hitch your wagon to a star,” as Ralph Waldo Emerson said.
2. Be a woman of integrity and honor. Have a love of truth and expect it from yourself and others; give respect and appreciation to those who are deserving. 3.
Be a woman with passions and a lot of heart. Confucius said it best when he said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.”
4. Be a woman of courage. Stand up for others who cannot stand up for themselves and stand up for what you know is right. Be brave. www.columbusschoolforgirls.org 23