Dear Red Knights,

Right now, I want nothing more than to exist in the time period between 2:59 and 3:05 on any given afternoon at Incarnate Word Academy, when girls of all ages step out into the rain, or the snow, or the unexpected heat and squint into the afternoon sun. They walk up the hill behind the theater, or down the stairs from the chapel, or across the blacktop between buildings, and wonder why they are carrying so many books right now, why they didn’t remember to take off their sweatshirt before they stepped outside, or whether or not they have time to make a QT run before their next practice or meeting or rehearsal.

They wonder how much homework they’ll actually do tonight and how much will be left till homeroom the next morning. They’re stressing out. They’re anxious. They’re scared to audition for the musical, terrified to run the sprint test at the after-school soccer workout, and genuinely feel sick to their stomach when they think about checking Powerschool. They’re wondering why they got a B- instead of a B, why a boy didn’t text them back, or why one of their best friends didn’t show up today. These girls are thinking.

They’re planning, calculating, fighting to keep going. They’re tired. But there’s a lot of excitement, a lot of happiness, too, in these girls. A lot of love. They’re dreaming, and wishing, and hoping – hoping to see their name on a cast list, hoping their teacher will accept a paper that’s ten minutes late, hoping to see one of their friends get a promposal sometime this week. In those six minutes no mind is quiet; everyone is in a hurry.

I’ve never witnessed those six minutes from the outside, but as a graduate I’m starting to consider what they might look like. The more I hear about different college campuses and other high school experiences, I realize what a special place Incarnate Word Academy is. This special atmosphere is made evident in this short, six-minute period. In those six minutes, a family comes together. Students come out of their struggles, out of their classrooms, and literally walk into the light. This light comes not only from the sun beating down on their jumper-clad backs, but from other places as well. The light of a freshman’s first softball game or tennis match. The light and possibilities presented by a Friday night, where these students will most likely go out of their way to spend more time with these same girls who are rushing around campus after school. The light of a car full of girls who will be traveling to Columbia over the weekend, to watch the basketball team compete, yet again, for a state title.

I recommend that you spend your weekends together. There are only so many games before the season comes to an end. There are only so many dances to plan for. There are only so many rides with your carpool before the year is over and it’s time to move on.

In those six minutes, after school, say hi to everyone you see.

Do it. No questions asked.

Go ahead and keep worrying, keep calculating, and keep anticipating – but smile at someone. They probably need it. And when you do smile, laugh a little bit. Breathe a little bit. Whatever it is you’re worried about, chances are you won’t be worried about it a year from now. And if you are worried about it a year from now – you’ll be a different person then, and you’ll be able to handle it.

Looking back, I remember the stress and the worry and the anxiety. But they don’t impact me nearly as much as the joy found in giving or receiving a hug or hand squeeze from an unexpected friend. The joy came from not just being together, but from struggling together and learning to know one another in those struggles, and in the victories that followed.

Ladies of Incarnate Word Academy, day after day, you are making each other’s day. Let me repeat that. Day after day after day after day, you are making someone else’s day so much better.

To the graduates: thank you. But you’re not done. Bring these six minutes to whatever college campus that is lucky enough to have you next year.

To the current students: I believe in you. The expectations are high, and IWA needs your pride and excellence. Cherish and love and respect this place and these people. There are countless incredible women who made your time here possible. Give your heart to Incarnate Word Academy, and let her have it until you die… because if you let her – if you take just one small step out of your comfort zone, and give her a little bit of your passion – she will absolutely do the same for you.

Praised be the Incarnate Word.