Worth a Thousand Words

Last month, I was trapped under letters. I had a speech, a newsletter article, a wedding toast. A peer once referred to this type of writing as "fluff", but I wholeheartedly believe that the kinds of things I was writing have a genuine effect. 

In my profession, I make relationships. An audience, whether their customers or people I'm asking to give money, knows whether or not you believe in your cause. This is probably why I'm not a huge fan of sales. Unless you stand behind what you put out there, people see through you. 

Among the articles I was writing, this one got the most comments and I'd like to share it. This is my Letter from the President in the upcoming Alumnae newsletter.

Dear Fellow Alumnae, 

Whenever I tell people about St. Margaret’s, I always use the Dead Poets Society as a reference. Young, impressionable students facing the trials of high school together; a memorable teacher to guide them; tragedy, comedy, wisdom and a coming of age. 

But this winter, like the rest of the country thanks to Netflix, I was enthralled with House of Cards. In one particular episode, Kevin Spacey’s character is honored at his military school alma mater, and the occasion brings his core group of classmates together. During a night of reminiscing, he asks, “Do you think this place made us? I walked on campus today. I wondered, did it mean anything? Was it just a place we spent four years of our lives, or was there more?”

Every now and then I get nostalgic about SMS, but watching this episode was the first time I really ever reflected on my time as an alumna. I often call St. Margaret’s my ‘game changer’ – a place that gave me a better path so that I could make a better future. No, this wasn’t just a school from where I graduated. 

This place means something to all of us, and St. Margaret’s comes alive in all of our memories and in our accomplishments. I find those memories are even more pronounced during Alumnae Weekend. I never seem to have as many stories as when I’m with my classmates by the river, back where it all began, even though our graduation day has long since passed. 

Spring at SMS is always a time of change and reflection. I hope you, too, will take a moment to reflect on the impact St. Margaret’s has had on all of us and how much more of an impact we can have on St. Margaret’s. Share the stories of your past, give to the present by supporting the Annual Fund, and help take part in St. Margaret’s future. Ensure that the later generations of SMS girls will have stories of their own. 

Belong. Believe. Become.

~Patti Webb '03