Gratitude

You are invited to add something for which you are grateful, as members of the Castilleja Community.

1. click the "edit" button at the top of this page and set your cursor at the end of the page. 2. Type in your thoughts. 3. When done, click the "save" button at the top of the page. 4. If you'd like to leave an audio or an audio/video comment, take a peek at the voicethread further below on this page.
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 * NOTE:** This is a wiki, so if two people are editing the page at the same time your edits may be over-written. Just be sure to check back and make sure your contributions to this community space sill appear! Thanks for giving this a try!

1. ...my colleagues: staff, administration, and faculty who work hard to make this a very special place for teaching and learning. 2. ...an incredibly talented and fun group of students to work with! 3. ...M.J.'s candy jar. 4....the affirmation I received when trying something new. 5.…the beautiful buildings and grounds. 6…the laughter of our students. 7.... one word....LUNCH! 8....supportive, appreciative parents. 9... the beautiful (and finished!) new gym 10.. my department 11...my health and the opportunity to maintain it through the delicious local produce and salads at Casti 12...being able to sit outside for lunch at the end of November 13...the opportunities I have every day to work with exceptional minds and people of character 14...Vince's cheerful greeting every morning. 15...Ditto #14 and also, Arturo's, Joao's, Helia's, Ismaena's, Aurora's, Antonio's, Paulo's, John's and Dan's throughout the day 16...The humor and understanding of my department colleagues 17...my two wonderful coteachers who inspire me and affirm me every day! 18.. hugs each morning, a joke at break, and provocative, enlivening conversation over lunch 19. ...waking up every morning. I am thankful for a place to work that feels like a home, not just because M.J. still calls me "baby girl," or because I am allowed (even encouraged) to call one of my high school heroes "Peggy," or because that "cute guy" who came to work here when I was 16 still makes me lunch everyday... but also because students and faculty show their care for me in subtle - and not so subtle - ways each day! Smiles, inquiries, chats, respect, attention, jokes, and hugs. This is truly an amazing collection of people in a place with great energy - let's continue to be the positive ions (I am sure there is a chemical problem with that metaphor, but my scientist is not home!) Which reminds me, I am also so thankful to have such an ideal place for my daughter(s?) to be educated! 20...teaching here at Casti! 21. cuz I get to work with the Empress. 22. A day in the life of my son in S. Africa: He spends 5 weeks every fall mentoring S. African doctors in rural HIV AIDS clinics. Joan
 * I am thankful for....**

Dear Friends and Family, I met these two adorable 3 year old twin girls today. They accompanied their HIV+ mother and grandmother to the clinic. Unfortunately their mom was quite ill and had to be admitted to the hospital. The twins had not been tested for HIV yet. Let's hope and pray they are negative and their mother survives. Peace, Tyler media type="custom" key="2748143"

In a later email, Tyler shared:

Great news! This is the reply I received this morning from their doctor: You'll be glad to know that the twins' rapid HIV tests were both negative. The mother is anemic and we've admitted her and started antiretroviral therapy while looking for other medical problems. Thanks for all of your words of encouragement and support. Tyler

media type="custom" key="2733801" 23. Contacts and connections made through Casti -- students who email you about their work at charity balls; or their latest piercing; or asking for help on applications. 24. Support and understanding from colleagues when facing both personal and professional challenges 25. a half-day on Wednesday this week! 26. the energy and enthusiasm of my students--whenever I'm having a hard day, I always feel better after teaching. 27. Lauren Schryver! Her optimism and kindness have made Castilleja a welcoming community for me.