Big News

Big News Ive been putting off writing this entry for a week, because I simply dont really know how to write it. There are so many things I want to say, and yet so many of them dont attach well to words only to strong feelings and emotions, the way certain songs bring back the intangible moments of ones childhood. I think Ill just start with the facts and save the long, introspective part for a later entry, once Ive had a chance to really process all of this. In a nutshell: after four incredible years here, Im going to be leaving MIT in July. Ill also be leaving Boston, which has been my home for more than a decade, and which will always be the city I love more than any other. Its a lot to digest, and its going to take some time. I guess you probably want to know the details. Im heading back to Oberlin, my alma mater, where Ive just been appointed Vice President for Communications Ill be overseeing communications strategy for the whole college. Those of you with whom Ive spoken about Oberlin know how deeply I love the place, and at this critical moment in its history, it needs me in many of the same ways that MIT did four years ago to help it tell its story to the world. Its a tremendous professional opportunity, but to me it feels more like a calling than a job. Nothing can lighten the sadness of leaving MIT. I may not be an alum, but I did spend four very intense years here. I may not have taken 8.02, but I also didnt get summers off the way you slackers do so lets just call it even. ;-) As Nance says, I may have been born into the Oberlin family and married into the MIT family, but one is no less significant than the other. So while I may be leaving MIT physically, Ill never leave MIT its too much a part of me. Ill just be more like an alum than a current student. One thing is certain: if I am invested in you and you know who you are no distance will ever change that. Ill still be checking up on you, keeping tabs, making sure youre getting the most out of your college experience, same as Ive always done. Thats a promise. Ill write a lot more over the next couple of months. Ill get all sorts of reflective and nostalgic, as soon as Im ready. Stay tuned. -B P.S. This is the 2500th entry on mitadmissions.org. That speaks for itself, I suppose.