The best thing I learned going ‘back to school’
Years ago, one of my good friends, Father Ray Kemp, ran for the D.C. school board. His bumper stickers and campaign motto always made me smile: “Send Kemp back to school.”
This year, I went back to school. It’s been an exhilarating, exciting and great educational experience being back at my alma mater. My title at St John’s College High School in Washington, D.C., is chaplain, and I am part of the department of mission and ministry that also includes three very committed lay people who bring a wealth of experience to enrich the students’ lives.
As the school year comes to an end, I realize just how much I’ve enjoyed being back at my alma mater. I am energized by the students, who seem genuinely excited to be at school and with each other. I didn’t mind school at all, but I don’t think I looked forward to it my time some 60 years ago as much as young people today love being with their friends, learning, growing and accomplishing all they can through education.