Every few months, I spend time listening to and talking with…

Every few months, I spend time listening to and talking with a former student who lives in China now, and who has gone through some very difficult experiences over the last several years. I just talked with her again last week and I know these conversations are useful and reassuring to her. We’ve developed an unexpectedly deep friendship as a result, and I am glad to be someone she can turn to when she is confused and feeling unsteady. This evening I will be speaking to another former student, who is also struggling–this time with a creative project. Keeping people company when they feel alone with a problem is a way that I can carry on a little of Alex’s spirit of generosity and her great empathy.