Hoping you have a wonderful holiday, as summer slowly winds down and kids get ready to go back to school. Good wishes to all the students who are venturing back into class, to those who are heading into new challenges, and to the inspirational teachers and support staff who make it all possible.
It has been another steady week at our center, as our dedicated immigration attorneys, social workers, teachers, and learning exchange team continue to support immigrant families and Irish students and graduates.
On Monday, we hosted Mr. Gerard Doherty and his colleagues for a visit to our classroom named in his honor, followed by a reading from Gerard’s recent book They Were My Friends, a reflection on his friendships with John, Robert, and Ted Kennedy and his memories of some of the most important moments in U.S. political history. Staff and friends enjoyed the opportunity to reflect on Gerard’s story and the continued significance of the Kennedy family, especially as we prepare to honor human rights activist Kerry Kennedy at this year’s Solas Awards Gala on December 6th.
The event called to mind Robert Kennedy’s “Ripples of Hope” speech:
Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.
I am reminded that each of us can be a ripple of hope and goodness, regardless of our vocation or where we are situated.
Very good wishes and in solidarity,
Ronnie
