-Monica

You truly are a remarkable human. You have been a source of true encouragement for me in my at UWB. I can still remember our trip to the writing retreat before the pandemic began. You took the initiative to ask me about my research agenda in a way that felt like a challenging-invitation but also incredibly supportive. It was clear from the start that you are someone that is as dedicated to the success of others as you are to yourself. Who does that!?

Hearing your vision for our school and seeing your brilliance and ability to think big was truly inspiring for me and made me realize how deeply you have been invested in our school but also within our community. Your work with community has been incredibly meaning to so many lives, even beyond our students.

When I was having a difficult time with the curriculum committee, you were there as a rock. You were back-up for me and you allowed me the space to step away and take care of myself. You did this all with so much grace and I felt incredibly affirmed by you. For me, that was the kind of experience that could have soured me from the university all together but you were integral in giving me a soft-landing. Thank you for this.

I could go on and on, but really what I am left with is just a feeling of regret because I wish I had more time to know you and be in awe of your brilliance and kindness. I hope that we have some other opportunities to meet/work meaningfully in the future. In the meantime, I hope we stay in touch and I will be following your career in leadership as you will (of course) be continuing your legacy of amazing work.

With admiration, Natasha

Thank you for everything that you’ve done to grow and strengthen SES throughout the years. I also know that you’ve been a powerhouse for Goodlad and continued to advance research with so many positive impacts across the country, and beyond. Your new leadership opportunity is exciting. There's so much more ahead of you and I look forward to hearing about your many successes! Sincerely, Marisa

Thanks for everything you've done to make SES what it is and for creating a space for Educational Studies students and staff alike to feel proud to be part of. Your presence here will be sorely missed but your contributions to the school will no doubt be felt long after you've left. I wish you all the success in your future endeavors and hope you find time to visit us again soon.

Cheers,

Ryan

I still chuckle when I remember coming across the puppy picture you shared in class and the realization my twin had that your husband is their mentor in neuroscience. It was such an amusing and random connection, and it made everything seem like a complete circle.

Wishing you the best of luck with your move to your new position and space. May it provide you with rewarding experiences, time to rest when you need it, and times of happiness both personally and professionally.

-YVETTE P.

I have all the feels. First and most importantly, I am so excited for you as you turn the page into new adventures. You are such an inspiration and force for good in this world. You lead with compassion and wonder, and I am so proud to call you my sister and my friend. Thank you for all the FaceTimes, coffee chats, and late night texts over these last few years. There are moments that I can honestly say I would not have gotten through had it not been for the time and care you took to sit alongside me. It is hard for my heart and brain to wrap around the truth that you won't be part of our day-to-day lives in SES anymore. You have left an indelible mark on our entire school and campus community, and you leave a legacy here that I will endeavor to honor and carry forward. And I know this is not goodbye, as I've already plotted my roadtrip to visit you at Northwestern LOL. I love you with all my heart, Sarah (and Nico and Odin say they love you, too!)

Sincerely,

Annie

I’ve been putting off making this post until the very last minute, as I always do when I want something to be just right. I have so much I want to say, but I’m not sure where to begin. For once, I wish English were my first language, so I could express my thoughts and feelings as precisely and authentically as they feel in my heart. But I’ll try my best.

It’s still hard to wrap my head around the fact that I won’t get to see your face or hear your laughter in all-school meetings, Goodlad meetings, Community Engagement Committee gatherings, research check-ins, and all the other spaces where your wisdom, brilliance, and deep knowledge have been such a source of intellectual and personal inspiration for me. From my first year at UWB as a freshly minted PhD graduate to now, in my 6th/last year here as a junior/pre-tenure faculty member, I’ve been nurtured by your care, support, advocacy, and mentorship. I feel truly privileged to have had you as someone I look up to, not only as a colleague, friend, and mentor, but as a genuine role model. Someday, I hope I can be like you (though I know I may never be quite as extraordinary): hardworking, generous, inspiring, and humble, someone who makes a lasting impact on students, colleagues, communities, and fellow scholars, just as you have.

I am truly happy that you’re moving into a space where you can shine even brighter, where your wisdom will be deeply recognized, your leadership will flourish, and your impact will only continue to grow. I’ll admit that I’m a little envious of your future colleagues; they are incredibly lucky to have you! But I also know it’s time for others to experience the kind of brilliance, generosity, and care we’ve been so fortunate to have over these past years. I hope we’ll stay in touch, and I’m already looking forward to crossing paths with you again, whether at conferences, in collaborations, or wherever our journeys take us.

With gratitude and admiration,

Yue

Carrie,

Every interaction with you – whether in all-school meetings, Goodlad gatherings, my promotion committee meetings, or other spaces where I got to see your brilliance – has left a lasting impression.

It is bittersweet that we often express our deepest appreciation only when someone is leaving, but please know that I have always admired you. You have been a true inspiration.

The way you led Goodlad and created a space that welcomed all of us left a profound impression of what a warm and inclusive community could be. Even when I could not attend every gathering, knowing I was always welcome meant so much.

Thank you for your leadership, your warmth, and your deep care for our School.

I hope we will stay in touch – still I will miss seeing you on campus.

Wish you all the best in this next chapter of your professional journey!

Warmly,

Sarita.