It's hard to put into words the emotions I have felt these past few days in the wake of the Newtown shootings - some combination of anger, fear, grief, sympathy, and sadness. I keep wondering what might have been missing in that young man's life that led him to act as he did. I wonder what can be done to prevent such an event from happening again.
I find my thoughts keep circling back to relationships. Here at Rivers our mission is to know and understand our students as individuals and help them become their best selves. Relationships are key to fulfilling that mission, and our teachers, coaches, and advisors are adept at connecting with their students, advisees, and athletes in meaningful ways. As we head into the new year and the inevitable resolution-making, I want to focus on being a better advisor; I want to be a better listener; I want to be a better mentor. I will urge our faculty - and you - to do the same. Make those connections with the people around you - those you know well, and those you could come to know better. Listen and respond. We will all be better human beings for it.
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