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Born out of the Ashes. Born for Greatness.

Some thoughts from Founding Partner, Kimberly Phillips to the Class of 2020:

As the Class of 2020 graduates, I want to challenge these students to recognize how very extraordinary they are in so many ways. I saw a quote on social media recently that I believe applies especially to this group of young people. The author is unknown. “Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.”

There is no doubt that COVID-19 robbed you of many “lasts” and rights of passage often fondly looked back upon in later years with great joy and amusement. COVID-19 came like a thief in the night. At first, it was invisible, and then it’s creeping, destructive existence fell over your senior year like a deafening fog that refused to lift. It stripped you of proms, yearbook signings, traditional graduation ceremonies, parties, etc.

What you don’t recall is just over 18 ½ years ago, another profoundly destructive event fell over our existence. This event, too, changed everything about who we are as a people and as a nation, and the Class of 2020 was born at this tragic time. The Class of 2020 was born around the time of September 11, 2001. What I find remarkable about the Class of 2020, you never had the opportunity to live in a time of naivety known as the pre-9-11 era. I am certain every one of your parents or guardians can tell you in great detail where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001.

Yet, from the ashes of the September 11th terrorist attacks, you were raised to be strong, aware, resilient, hopeful, prepared, brave, confident, joyous, and so on. While the COVID-19 pandemic indeed stole many of your senior year traditions, it cleared the path for many unique celebrations. Schools, teachers, and parents thought outside the box to create some of the most one of a kind graduation memories for the extraordinary Class of 2020. From graduation parades, virtual graduations, social distancing proms, and celebrity social media virtual ceremonies, the Class of 2020 has some unique memories tailored just for them.

As you move to the next chapter of your life, consider that the storms you encounter, and storms will come, may not be there to disrupt you. Consider that storms may be in your life to clear a path ahead. Keep your eyes open for the opportunities because the Class of 2020 was born and raised for greatness.