International Travel
I recently returned from a month-long trip overseas where I met with parents of our students in 6 countries and 13 cities. These parents moved me with their knowledge of our School and the ranges of their concerns about college applications, study habits, and above all how we see their children. I took to them a summary of the comments and notes by the faculty on each student. With the help of a translator in each city I was able to give the brief essays to them and, even more important, answer their questions. It was of inestimable pleasure, support and value to travel to most places with David Flynn our Admissions Director. We travel well together and having his presence at the dinners added, as always, great life and energy to the meeting. Reading the newspapers in each city, in English, I studied to learn more about perspectives on global and local economies, the G20 meeting in Seoul and attitudes toward its agenda, on climate concerns, and to understand some of the cross cultural debates on many issues. The visit was once again a refreshing way to feel more in touch with our international students. The parents were open to all my questions everywhere I went. I missed the Asia Games in Guangzhou but watched the impressive organization and construction surrounding its advent. It is so good to be back, to talk with students about my visit, to see the mountain change toward winter, and to be in close touch again. Although, Jon Lamb and Al Lewis kept me up to date on events small and larger during my absence. We are now finishing the college application process for our seniors who seem well organized this year. They are an impressive group and will, as they do now, make us proud in the future. Exams will take their energy in the next two weeks and will need our ministrations on campus and at home as they prepare. It is good to be home. Helen Stevens Chinitz
Head of School