The sun set over the west end of campus for the final time in 2017. As we reflect on 2017 and the frigid sub-zero temperatures that have held their grip on campus over the past week, we look forward to 2018 with hope for what is yet to come. Hope (for our students, for our community, for our environment, and for our world) is only as powerful as our actions, however. We must not only hope for change in 2018, but believe we each possess the ability to positively impact the world around us. 

This leap from "thought" to "action" only happens within the embrace of a supportive community. To stand up and speak your mind requires confidence that those around you will listen. To step confidently into the unknown (whether that unknown is a new afternoon activity, a term abroad, or imaginging your life at boarding school), you must believe in yourself and have confidence others believe in you, too. 

As we ring in the New Year, the only resolution we are making is to make sure each of our students knows we believe in them. We believe in their abilities. We support them as they pursue their passions. And we are there cheering them on as they step up, step out, and create change in a world that so desperately needs empowered young people to the lead the way. Happy New Year from all of us at Proctor!