Comments for Proximity

Comment on Utopia [campus] by Kevin

Kevin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:09:39 +0000

I am a student at Westminster and I do, for the most part, agree with this. The article above is very well written and has a good amount of insight into the world of Westminster and more over, private schools.
You asked one question at the end of this article. I am going to answer like a politician (when politics were still politics).
There is, and always will be a sense of entitlement that follows Westminster as with any other private school. The money it takes to attend is now in the range of $20,000 per year. For many people this is simply too much to pay. But when it can be afforded, the education and personal experiences that we as student take with us as we graduate are more than priceless, we can only dream about them after we leave.
Money does not buy what you get at this school. It is the student or that gets out of it what he or she wants. Yes, that is a very quizzical answer but it is true.
The vast majority of people that graduate Westminster do so with happiness and sadness. Graduation is a bitter sweet moment every year for the seniors. This is the place where they grew up throughout the countless days and months of school life. Their friends are here. There first relationships were made here. The stresses of life all melt away with the friends you make here and they are leaving that on graduation.
If you ask any Westminster student this question, the general consensus will be “Not another one!”
Every year we are told by way of assemblies, faculty, parents, strangers, and opposing teams how lucky we are to be here and to give back, and do the right thing.
“To whom much is given, much is received.” This well knows statement seems to be the underlying current of Westminster. We do not and will not (on the whole) feel entitled. We are eternally grateful for the education and time we spent here.
We do not walk around in packs of cliques. We do not make friends based on how much money “daddy” has in the bank. We are normal people who are labeled with Buckhead life across our foreheads.
Many people that do not know Westminster, except for its reputation, come on campus expecting to have to dodge subtle comments about social standing. Others want to burn into our brain how fortunate we are and how “we should be grateful” and “how much money do you spend a year here” and “do you know I went to public school all my life and I turned out fine.” But when those people get to know us, they find out who we are. We have started many charitable organizations, EACEF is one of them.
Basically, we are not the rich kids you see on T.V. who drive in with Rolls everyday or in a limo. I have yet to see someone dropped off in a Limo, though I have seen a few Rolls Royces. What people see is money and that scares most who do not have as much as the families here.
Yes we have some just plain, rotten people the same as any school. But we know who they are and dislike them just as much as anyone else.
To end, I will ask you a question. What makes us follow every step of a celebrities life like they are a god when the people here are closer to reality than celebrities will ever be? Who gives anyone the right to judge someone and place a label on them? You don’t like it, we don’t like it.
Great article, very close to reality overall.

Comment on The Zen of Weeding [garden] by Christine

Christine — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 05:02:49 +0000

Carrie, I always love reading your posts. I haven’t stopped by in awhile. I should do so more often. Peace, c.

Comment on Roots [homegrown] by Olivia Scalf

Olivia Scalf — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:27:10 +0000

This is perfect! I felt like I was reading thoughts out of my own head when I decided to move to Fort Worth almost five years ago. My mother always told me it was okay to have roots and wings; that thought has never left me regardless of where I’ve lived. I loved this article! I’ll be reading it over and over.

Comment on Roots [homegrown] by Jane

Jane — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:26:23 +0000

WOW!! What an amazing woman God has made of you (Mary) Towles!! I know that your Mamma stands in awe of her “little girl” and your Daddy would be beaming!! May God continue to bless you in your new place to root!!! much love!! Jane

Comment on My Toddler Tis of Thee [independence] by Richard Gilbert

Richard Gilbert — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:15:51 +0000

Fantastic, Towles. I hope you keep writing about motherhood; it feels like you are discovering your own take on a big subject. There’s such value in just documenting your personal journey, and the detail and depth of reflection your make it really special.

Comment on Milk, Cuddle, Dance [bedroom] by Charlotte DuPre

Charlotte DuPre — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:43:33 +0000

Wonderful writing – wonderful images – life is good.

Comment on Nourishment [dinner table] by Alla Gallagher

Alla Gallagher — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 02:58:03 +0000

How wonderful and true-to life. I am the caretaker for my 13 month old granddaughter and your essay hits the mark beautifully. What a joy to experience everything in the world again through the new eyes of a toddler…a me centered, amazing, view of the evolution of our lives….

Comment on Milk, Cuddle, Dance [bedroom] by Christinelsteele@hot

Christinelsteele@hot — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 06:17:06 +0000

Beautiful, Towles, beautiful.

Comment on An Airport, Not a Destination [church] by Elise

Elise — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:37:34 +0000

This is so touching, Towles. It gives words to thoughts and feelings that I haven’t been able to articulate about this experience. Thanks. Kinda makes me wanna cry, though, as we’ll miss you being there from week-to-week.

Comment on Thirty-Five Years and Counting [street stall] by Allen

Allen — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 17:35:01 +0000

Fantastic, I’ve driven past them my whole life. I’m going to become a customer now. Thank you.