
This period of uncertainty has been a passage for all of us. We have had to adapt and change with this unprecedented time. Passages affect each of us differently, but one thing is always the same we come out changed. Our world will forever be changed by this experience as will our understanding and appreciation of our health care workers, essential workers, and community organizations. With times of sadness comes bravery and unity. Passages give us a choice to be gracious, positive, and better. The overcoming is more powerful than the barriers.
We have so many worthy of praise in our world. One farmer mailed Gov. Cuomo, a singular N-95 mask, to support our first responders. A radio show run by retirees works to connect with the elderly who are isolated and cheer them on during these trying times, just like Sweet Readers Connect. All-round the world, families recreate proms and graduations to honor their children. They find new ways of celebrating passages.From drive-in graduations to a school that rented out golf carts, the creativity is genuinely impressive.
Isabella is a graduating senior who has had an imperative role in Sweet Readers. Starting in middle school, she has worked for years creating new communities globally and organizing our leadership council. She is working tirelessly to bring elders joy and companionship. I am lucky to have gone to school with Isabella for many years. She can be described as a Latin scholar, an inspiring older classman, and a caring community member. She has accomplished incredible things already, and the world should be excited for her future accomplishments. Her ambition, dedication, and integrity makes her a force of great change.
We all can be like Isabella. Take our passages and use them as a tool for positive change. To reflect on our lives and always work to be better and do better. Our world, in many ways, has stepped up in this pandemic. We can all step up in our own way, take fifteen minutes out of your day to talk to an elder, or donate masks to essential workers. We have an opportunity with this passage to do incredible things for our world and our communities. So I ask everyone to step up and use this passage as a tool for change.