Late on the evening of my masters graduation:

I am so grateful for all of the support I've had to get to where I am in now. My family traveled from Missouri, New Hampshire and New York to join me in Washington DC this weekend. They perceived the incredible community of international service of which I've had the fortune to become part over the past two years. They expressed their pride for the path on which I've set myself and I was deeply moved.

This evening my dear friend Rose hosted my family and a couple others for food and drinks following the commencement ceremony. She asked our (grand)parents to share the wisdom they hold with those of us graduating. A remarkable dialogue followed. My grandmother--a regal woman whose intelligence and grace I can only aspire--told a story to illustrate the importance of connecting one on one with "family, friends and strangers". She had crossed the path of a couple of women in hijab and smiled at them twice; the third time, one of the women stopped her. "I like you," she said, "you are a kind woman with a good heart." My grandmother, who knows no one Muslim, felt connected across difference. Such moments of connection are rare but constitute beauty in our lives.

It was a momentous weekend and I often found myself reflecting on the personal growth I've made over the past two (four... twenty five) years of professional progress. Last year, I attended the International Development Program's graduation reception on crutches following a serious hip surgery; this year, I was able to present a modern dance solo "On Listening." Four years ago, I graduated with my Bachelors devastatingly depressed and paralyzed with fear over my ability to make it; now, I graduate with a masters confident that I have the skills to contribute something to make our world a better place.

For now, then, a toast to: those who teach us from their experience with the past; to knowing how to find beauty and peace in the moment; to hope for the future!