Lise's Lens: April 16, 2026
This week I have been fully immersed in the theme of our 2026 Michael H. Feldman’67 Social Justice Day: The Evolution of Immigration. I am almost through with the novel, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny (which touches on many relevant themes), and I’ve been exploring the work of our many incredible presenters and speakers, including our keynote speaker Oscar B. Castillo. Thanks to all involved in this incredible day.
WHAT I'M READING
The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai
Related to our Social Justice Day theme of migration and immigration, I am on the verge of finishing the novel The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai. It takes place in the early 2000s and begins with two characters’ experiences at American Universities, one in a remote Vermont town and the other in Manhattan at Columbia University. Both characters are from India and most of the storyline describes the many ways in which they navigate not being “Indian enough” when they are back home, yet still feeling “othered” when they are here in the United States.
Desai is a phenomenal writer. Her capacity for conveying the most interesting and minute details position you in the moment, bringing you into the novel to travel alongside Sonia and Sunny and the cast of supporting characters. Like our keynote speaker Oscar Castillo shared, being in proximity to characters like Sonia and Sunny helps build our empathy and intercultural understanding. Their agony and frustrations become ours alongside their joys and accomplishments.
WHAT I'M THINKING ABOUT
Our SJD Keynote Address from Oscar B. Castillo
Our keynote speaker at this year’s Michael H. Feldman ’67 Social Justice Day (SJD) was documentary photographer Oscar B. Castillo, whose work centers on the immigration experiences of people from around the world, and in large part on those making the dangerous pilgrimage from Latin America to the United States. He had a lot of insightful things to say, but one thing that stuck with me was his reminder to slow down. To get to know people. To enter situations with a “respectful curiosity.” This belief in the power and importance of curiosity was echoed by journalist and CSW alum Tyche Hendricks ’82, who also addressed students in a pre-recorded video at the program closing.
The concept of privilege was another idea that came up in the question and answer session with Oscar. He emphasized that privilege isn’t about guilt, but about responsibility. He urged students to recognize the access and opportunities they’ve been given and to choose to use them with intention, acknowledging that it can be a balancing act.
The concept of privilege was another idea that came up in the question and answer session with Oscar. He emphasized that privilege isn’t about guilt, but about responsibility. He urged students to recognize the access and opportunities they’ve been given and to choose to use them with intention, acknowledging that it can be a balancing act.
Though it covers some upsetting subject matter, Oscar’s work is truly beautiful, and I think a lot of that comes from the fact that he takes the time to get to know his subjects and in many cases, travels alongside them as they journey through rough terrain and make unimaginable sacrifices, doing what he can to experience what it’s like to truly walk in their shoes. The empathy and compassion is evident in his photos, which are an incredible reminder to all of us to see the humanity in others and recognize that everyone has a story — a fitting message for a day dedicated to advancing justice.
WHAT I'M WATCHING/LISTENING TO
The First-Ever Boys’ Volleyball Game at CSW
Yesterday, CSW hosted the first-ever interscholastic boys’ volleyball game in the Fit. I am so excited about this new offering and was thrilled to be in attendance during this momentous and exciting occasion. This team came to be because our students asked and advocated for it, and I am really proud to see it become a reality. Go Gryphons! May this be the first of many boys volleyball games on our campus!
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
It was a long winter so our students have really been enjoying the warm weather this week! Here’s a pic of some students enjoying the quad.
CSW—a gender-inclusive day and boarding school for grades 9-12—is a national leader in progressive education. We live out our values of inquiry-based learning, student agency, and embracing diverse perspectives in every aspect of our student experience. Young people come to CSW to learn how to learn and then put what they learn into action—essential skills they carry into their futures as doers, makers, innovators, leaders, and exceptional humans who do meaningful work in the world.