Fortune favors the bold. – Latin proverb Don’t write about such controversial topics. That was my mom’s advice for the school year: stay on everyone’s good side, don’t step on any toes. Well. I suppose that’s one way to go about life at PA, but I’ve never been one for tip-toeing. For me, it’s always been about tap shoes, capital letters and outdoor voices. So while my mother might sleep better at night if I make like the Swiss, white flag and all, I’d rather be (in the words of Tracy Jordan of 30 Rock), droppin’ truth bombs and living every week like it’s Shark Week. As. Should. You. I know better than to flat-out tell a community of strong-willed intellectuals what to do, so may I simply suggest that sometime over the course of the year, you consider doing something bold? What that means to you will differ from person to person; for one, it may mean taking a risk on the field; for another it may mean asking a Senior to Sadie, or for you it could mean speaking your mind. If that’s the case, there are few better venues through which to amplify your message, your thoughts or your opinions, than through The Phillipian. Andover, this is what Commentary’s about. This section is about having a voice and letting that voice be HEARD, across campus and around the world. You can write for Commentary once or a hundred times, with qualms or praise regarding anything from UnCommons to the upcoming election. Even-keeled or controversial or somewhere in between, it’s your choice, your voice. New students, welcome to Andover. This is a great place with a bunch of opportunities and you’re all very lucky to be here. You’ve heard that speech a few times, I’m sure; so here’s the tidbit of advice they might not have in Orientation: live large. I don’t mean stuffing yourself with fro-yo every meal, I mean take big risks and pursue bigger dreams. You’re going to have quite a journey here, and I assure you that it’ll be that much more fun if you jump off a few figurative cliffs and build your wings on the way down. Then, you’ll fly. (Disclaimer: You may not literally fly, please don’t sue me if you try to. On a serious note, keep in mind that you do have four years here. Be smart about the risks you choose to take.) As for me, it’s my third year here and I’m still in love with the way Sam Phil stands as though it will never crumble, the way this school feels somehow invincible. And that love and pride comes with a responsibility—that of living up to my passions as fearlessly as possible. So, I’m going to keep writing about topics many have tried to persuade me to avoid… those “controversial” things many try to avoid. Sorry, Mom. Jenn Schaffer is a three-year Upper from Bolingbrook, Ill and an Associate Commentary Editor. jschaffer@andover.edu
