AABC President’s Letter

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Dear Barnard Family,

As an empty nester, my calendar is no longer dictated by school events, carpools, and holidays, including summer vacation. I have the ability to go and do as I please, which makes me think back to July, when I went on my first dental mission trip to Honduras. I was excited, a little nervous, and grateful for the opportunity. There is so much to share about my experience, but I would like to highlight just a few aspects.

As a group, we were asked to keep a check on our expectations and attitudes because we might experience things that would be unpredictable or surprising. We were encouraged to be flexible, spontaneous, and willing to serve with a greater purpose in mind. So I made a promise to myself to serve with positivity, be an agreeable team member, and demonstrate compassion and care to everyone I had the opportunity to meet. No problem. Of course I would and I did, but I really had to try.

My experience was enlightening, and a few things remain top of mind when I reflect on the trip: I’m human, and it was hard serving. I gained a greater appreciation for my dentists, hygienists, and assistants. I’m committed to continue to #PayItForward and share what I learned. I will give more thanks — I’ve got so much to be thankful for.

It also prompted me to think more about how my reflections apply to volunteerism at Barnard. As we start a new year, I’m graciously asking our community to connect with our Barnard family in ways that are meaningful to you and, as I found this advice helpful to me during my experience, to keep a check on our expectations and attitudes, knowing that we have a greater purpose to support. Life is very unpredictable and full of surprises, so let’s be flexible and more empathetic to one another and the challenges experienced by our alma mater. I’m not saying that it’s going to be easy, but keeping in mind the greater purpose of what Barnard College stands for and our mission to provide the highest-quality liberal arts education to promising and high-achieving young women will definitely help.

I pride myself on being empathetic, but it wasn’t until I served as a dental assistant that I realized how difficult the job is. In the same way, there was so much going on last year that impacted members of the Barnard family in different ways that it was nearly impossible for anyone to have all the answers, let alone all at the same time. It is my hope that together we may demonstrate what it means to be Barnard alums, leading with kindness and embracing compassionate dialogue as we seek insights to our questions and concerns. As Barnard women, we are intelligent problem-solvers — and also opinionated. I hope and pray that we can constructively use these amazing qualities to serve and support one another and the College. I’m giving thanks for each and every one of you and looking forward to the many ways we can engage with one another in meaningful service and camaraderie this upcoming year!

With love and respect,

Sooji Park ’90

AABC President, Alumnae Trustee