Rediscovering My Roots

Ten years went by so quickly. Still, walking down the hallways, peering in the classrooms, seeing familiar faces - it is as if nothing changed - as if time stood still in the years since I graduated from the Waldorf School of Garden City, NY. There is also part of me that never changes and when I am there, I rediscover myself all over again.

When I returned from India in 2006, I invited teachers, parents, students and friends of the Waldorf community over to my parents house to tell them my story and to share the wares I brought home with me. I told them about my goal to raise money for Tong-Len, the school in Dharamsala. I told them about the artisans I met. I was astonished by the support I received.

Each year since then, I attended the Fall Fair at the Waldorf School as a vendor. It is one of my favorite days of the year. I catch up with old friends and teachers. It feels like a family reunion. Some people who don't know me, look at me and say 'you must be a Haley', (my maiden name), 'you look just like your sister'.

A lot happened in 10 years. I traveled the world. I discovered my path. I never realized how much my years at Waldorf shaped who I am, paved the way for me. In hindsight, hearing the stories of ancient India, fundraising to protect the Amazon Rainforest, writing an essay comparing Egyptian and Greek views of the afterlife all led me to where I am. Waldorf nurtured in me the compassion to help others and the courage to follow my path.

This year, after the Fall Fair, I had my 10 Year High School Reunion. Some of my classmates attended Waldorf from Kindergarden through 12th grade. I joined the class in 2nd grade. I have only seen some of my classmates once or twice since graduation and yet we didn't skip a beat. They are doing wonderful things and following their passions - a chef, a jeweler, a coach, teachers and stock brokers. We all went different ways and yet we continue to come together with a mutual love and respect for one another. I am so proud to be part of my class.