Lise's Lens: January 27, 2022
In this week's edition of Lise's Lens, Lise touches on the latest issue of Vault, the book How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bari Weiss, and the recent passing of CSW alum David Mugar '59.
WHAT I’M READING
- I was so excited to see the latest issue of Vault, CSW’s student-run literary magazine, in my inbox this week. I’ve been reserving time in my schedule each day to work my way through it, savoring the art, poetry, and prose within. This week, I found myself wonderfully immersed in Lily Thomson ’22’s short story “Night Fire.” I am moved by the creativity and openness this entire issue provides for our community.
- I was recently gifted the book: How to Fight Anti-Semitism by Bary Weiss, an informative and important read as we honor Holocaust Remembrance Day. While I know there are many perspectives on how to do this, and as a school we have upcoming programming on this topic, I decided to read Weiss’s book. I also felt an immediate connection with the author, who is from Pittsburgh, the first place I lived when I arrived in the USA. I actually lived three blocks from the Tree of Life synagogue and recall with horror and pain the events from that terrible day in October of 2018.
WHAT I’M LISTENING TO/WATCHING
- I continued listening to my current audible book, Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer — and I love it more than last week! Don’t forget! This is the book that the Parent Social Justice Book Group is reading and their first meeting is February 17.
WHAT I’M THINKING/TALKING ABOUT
- In the wake of David Mugar '59’s death, I have been thinking a lot about generosity and the impact a single year can have on someone’s life. While many know that David attended CSW, not all are aware that he was only here for a year as a postgraduate student. But that year was enough to have an impact. David never forgot about CSW — the people he met and the experiences he had — and went out of his way to make space for future students to undergo a similar transformation here. Sometimes, we as adults tend to focus on the things that aren’t working, neglecting to notice the small, amazing things that are happening every day. The fact that a student can feel accepted for who they are and experience a true sense of belonging here at CSW, is a beautiful, incredible thing. In the end, these are the things that propel human beings forward into the future, hopeful and eager.
WHAT CAUGHT MY EYE
While we weren’t able to open up campus for our usual end of mod show, I was able to sneak into the gallery and enjoy some of the work that was put on display. I will never tire of admiring the creative work of our amazing students.
Read Past Issues
List of 10 news stories.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.