Students at RE: An educator's dream

Some letters are hand-written; some are typed. Stationery varies from loose-leaf paper, to monogrammed cards, to letterhead borrowed from a parent's desk drawer. Many are beautifully illustrated; some are sealed with stickers. One was made impenetrable to the U.S. postal service with good old-fashioned sealing wax. All are brilliant. 

 

Each year an overarching theme of the letters is gratitude. The students are categorically thankful for being accepted into the school. One student shared, "I was doubtful I would be accepted, but I guess I need a little more confidence in myself, although I think it is better to be pleasantly surprised than disappointed," reminding me of the expectation and anxiety associated with applying to our school. Students express gratitude for their families, friends, pets, communities and teachers. One student wrote, "I truly believe that teachers really do make a difference." The natural beauty of their Miami surroundings comes up often, and many take note of Mr. Ransom's love of nature and embrace of the great outdoors. They are thankful for the privilege of "attending a school on beautiful Biscayne Bay."

 

Heart-warming in their honest simplicity and focus on learning and growing, the letters reveal an unusual degree of self-awareness. How can you not want to meet a student who says, "I am a regular girl with an explosive imagination," or one who reveals, "I am not the best speller but I have an enhanced vocabulary"?  I admire the parent who has always told his son, "If you are not helping, you are in the way." After collecting these letters each year, I have a greater appreciation for the role the personal narrative plays in the college admission process. You read these letters, and you want to get to know the kids. You also develop an understanding of what these newly enrolled students will bring to the community and where we will fit in with their development. I thank the parents who told their child, "If you love yourself, you will always put in your best work, because this is a reflection of who you are."

 

The list of activities the students share is mind-boggling – fishing, juggling, environmental activism, painting, singing, cooking, ice skating, debating, volunteering and playing sports – to name a few! Becoming a member of Paul Ransom's third class of individuals is well within their reach. The students interpret Mr. Ransom's hopes for their development as scholars and responsible human beings in different ways, and I vow to pull out one particular comment –  "I will not allow you to waste your time training me if I am to become selfish or lazy" – when the time is right. That time will likely come when a student needs encouragement to do better and take advantage of the seemingly limitless resources available to all members of our school community. I will also remind that student that there are plenty more students out there who, to borrow from a letter, "love going to school"!

 

Many letters reflected on the challenges associated with this particular year. "I cannot wait to see the campus in person" is the reality of our 100 percent virtual admission season. One letter ended with what we all are feeling: "I hope that by the time I get to Ransom everything will be back to normal: no more mask-wearing and no more remote school."

 

A recurring theme this year, more so than in past years I would say, is diversity. One student stated it early on in the letter and straight away: "I value diversity." One girl wrote that she would not be intimidated by boys. Still others shared their family heritage and spoke with genuine pride about their backgrounds. Another said, "when I see injustice, I want to help to make it better." One writer, with the recognition that Mr. Ransom's school was much different than today's RE, asked me, "I am wondering how you might feel the school has evolved since the time when Mr. Ransom would traditionally send these letters out?"

 

With each group of new students and each new year, our school continues to evolve. As we finish up the business of this school year and get ready for the next, I am inspired by all that I read in these letters. I look forward to the arrival of the next cohort of "responsible Raiders," just as I look forward to the return of our current Raiders after a well-deserved and hard-earned summer.

 
Penny Townsend
Head of School
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