By Jordan ’24
I’ve heard the phrase “joyful pursuit of educational excellence” hundreds of times during class meetings and in speeches. It is an integral part of Harvard-Westlake as we know it. In the midst of these strange and unprecedented times, with COVID-19 and racial injustice, I was not sure how we, as a school, would continue to thrive. As I should have predicted, Harvard-Westlake has managed and will continue to manage to somehow pull it off.
Harvard-Westlake has provided students who have been afflicted by the hardships of the state of today’s world with many resources. They have communicated to the students and parents every step of the way, and undyingly had the best interests of the students in mind. A few resources include faculty, HW Sib leaders, our new Chaplain Reverend Anne Gardner, Kim Burnett, Ms. Gabrail, Mr. Jordan, Mr. Smith, coaches, and last but certainly not least, Mr. Wimbish. The teachers have been exceptional at making themselves even more available than they usually are, and they have all been unbelievably supportive. The school has emailed the student body and parents frequently throughout these times to update everyone. They continuously keep in contact and this has helped to maintain a sense of community through these unprecedented times. Harvard-Westlake has hosted many town halls over zoom to discuss the plan for the upcoming school year with the Harvard-Westlake community. Faculty members have been so flexible during this time. They quickly figured out the best and easiest technology to use to teach students at HW. They brightened up our school days with fun, unique activities and even have given us time to stretch and get up from our chairs during class, knowing that some of us may get restless sitting behind a screen all day. Just like us, many of them have even shared their own personal frustration with their internet dropping, dogs barking in the background, their own children needing attention, and much more. Having the teacher’s support and understanding of online school and the changes to our daily routine has been wonderful.
These times are undeniably difficult for all of us, but it is in situations like these that I find myself grateful to go to a school devoted to being the best place it can be. With tools to help us succeed no matter what, Harvard-Westlake is driven by the desire to thrive in all aspects and it is filled with students who are able to adapt to any situation and come out on top. The school is not only incredibly academic but it also truly cares about the well-being of each and every one of its students, and that’s more than I could ever ask for. So let’s make the most of this wild year, and hope that normalcy comes soon.
