A message from the Advancement Officer
By Elizabeth “Izzy” Reel ’21, ’25MLD
Right now, you might be seeing memes that say “it’s the time of year when you need a jacket in the morning, but you’re sweating in the afternoon/evening.” I’ve always loved the season of Fall. Pumpkin patches, apple picking, fall crafts – you name it!
I was recently asked why so many people start doing fall activities before the fall season actually begins. It’s as if the period between summer and fall is overtaken. As I reflected on the question, I realized they might have a point. How many times do we find ourselves just going through the motions in an “in-between” phase? Right now, we are entering the middle of the fall semester at SMWC. Students are finding their groove between classes and prepping for midterms. Along with this “in-between” period of the semester, we may all be experiencing it as we prep for upcoming events, holidays, etc.
We all experience “in-between” seasons. The time between one chapter and the next. Between graduation and a first job. Between raising children and watching them begin their own lives. Between one career and another. Between where we are and where we hope to be.
Sometimes, we are so focused on what comes next that we forget to appreciate where we are right now and remember to make the most of the time we have.
The seasonal transition to Fall encourages us to slow down and notice the beauty in the transition. The changing leaves remind us that change doesn’t always mean an ending. Sometimes, it is preparation for what comes next.
The same is true for the students we serve. Even in the “in-betweens,” donors continue to shape the student experience here at The Woods. For students, college is an “in-between” phase as they prepare for their career and life after college. Your generosity makes that happen. So today, I encourage you to take a moment and step back from the chaos of life and embrace this time that we have between seasons.
When is the best time to make a gift? Any time!
There are multiple ways to make a gift to the Woods Fund:
- Make a one-time gift by visiting giving.smwc.edu
- Fulfill your pledge by visiting giving.smwc.edu or call 888-769-0013