This past weekend, I participated in a celebration of life for a friend of more than 45 years. We met at summer camp and our relationship evolved into collaboration, mentorship, and fierce loyalty. The gathering focused on stories about Bob from across the decades, and the theme of connection with people was clearly evident. We laughed at his legendary stubbornness, nodded appreciatively at simple kindnesses, and collectively wished for just one more day together.
McMillan Education’s theme this year is the North Star, or Polaris, the fixed star around which the heavens rotate. Astronomers tell us that, across the millennia, different stars have filled this role, which is both startling and comforting in a cosmic sense. In a similar way, our relationships with people adapt and change at different points in our lives. As a group of educators, many of us worked directly with students as teachers, coaches, and advisors. The bonds formed are intense and often long-lasting. When we hear from former students and colleagues now, often celebrating life events, our sense of pride is palpable.
As consultants, our work with clients and their families centers around developing connections, not as a means to an end (do this and you will be accepted), but rather as a way of understanding the path forward. We cherish the opportunity to get to know both students and the schools and colleges so that we can make meaningful and informed recommendations. Oftentimes, on a campus visit I am struck by the realization that it could be just right for a particular client, for one reason or many, making the visit that much more meaningful.
The smallest moments can be the most memorable. Recently, I was helping a student brainstorm essay topics and suggested she write about an experience she had last year. Her response was great: “So that’s why we meet so often – so you know enough about me to remember that!” Another student, at the end of his college process and happy with the outcome, explained to his mom why we were still meeting: “I need my Bill time.” The quick text message with news or a thumbs up for a LinkedIn post are today’s version of the call or letter of old.
We gathered to say goodbye to our friend and to celebrate his connection to each of us. He was the glue in so many seemingly unlikely friendships that the luncheon stretched on for hours. Just as I know I will get a text from a former client when the Golden Knights play the Bruins, I know that connections in my life and work with students endure as my personal North Star.
