Life Moves Pretty Fast

Last month there was a big ceremony at my former high school in Oak Park, Illinois. Four alumni were awarded the annual Tradition of Excellence, a recognition of work that is representative of the Oak Park River Forest High School ideals and mission. I was fortunate to be one of the recipients, based on a nomination from one of my classmates. As my ALS progresses, travel has become very difficult, and I wasn’t able to attend and speak directly to the 3000 students who piled in to the auditorium for two different presentations. Instead, I made a video, and my parents and two of my best friends went on my behalf.

That morning, I was agitated and I couldn’t figure out why. I suppose I was wondering if my words would land in a meaningful way on this audience. A big part of me was disappointed that I couldn’t be there, and I was anxiously awaiting feedback. I shouldn’t have worried. The events went beautifully, and the Student Council representative who introduced me and my video did an excellent job. Afterward, I received photos of my friends standing next to the wall where my photo would eventually be hung, alongside people who have made much grander contributions to society. It was extremely humbling.

But the best part came a few weeks later, when an OPRF senior sent me a message. Her business class finishes every semester with a group project that benefits a charitable organization of their choosing. Hannah had written to tell me that her group had chosen #whatwouldyougive and the ALS Therapy Development Institute. They made T-shirts using our logo and you can see and purchase them here.

This blog post is two weeks overdue, for which I blame December, Otto, and ALS — although not necessarily in that order. I hope you will visit the site and give these young entrepreneurs/philanthropists your support. It is only up until Friday, December 15.

T’s For ALS

In the weeks leading up to the awards ceremony, I was flooded with memories of high school. The teacher who taught me that Paul Simon lyrics were poetry, the one who reached out his window during math class to throw snowballs at anyone who had fallen asleep, the gym teacher who snatched a bootleg Santana tape out of my hands and ran down the hall where he locked himself in his office and proceeded to listen while I banged on the tall window and yelled at him. I wasn’t actually angry; everyone knew that Coach Baker was a big Santana fan.

I remembered walking through the halls of school, my confidence growing with each passing year. The soccer team, the drill team, Student Council (I wasn’t actually on Student Council, but I walked by while they were taking their group photo for the yearbook, and it seemed to make sense for me to hop in), the yearbook, the students against drunk driving meetings I attended as treasurer, even though we had no money to speak of. After each meeting, my friends and I would go to an Italian restaurant on North Avenue and eat piles of pasta.

I dressed like a grunge queen some of the time, such was my love for Kurt Cobain and Eddie Vedder. It was not my finest fashion moment.

I don’t remember doing anything particularly selfless in high school. I’m not sure I was aware of the concept of philanthropy or the possibility of a terminal illness affecting me or anyone I loved. I know I wasn’t coming up with project ideas to help people in need. I was too busy reading the Cliff Notes to The Sound and The Fury. So this group of students impresses me. I love the idea that they are showing empathy and care for other people, even though those people are complete strangers.

“I weep for the future,” says a weaselly character in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. But I can solidly say I disagree. And to the students at OPRF, especially the T’s For ALS team, I also say: Danke Schoen.

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6 thoughts on “Life Moves Pretty Fast

  1. Pam Srock

    Had to laugh about your Coach Baker story!
    I assume you’ve seen his band, RICO, play? Awesome!!
    You’d swear you were listening to Santana!

    Pam

  2. Jane

    The image of you banging on the tall glass windows while your gym teacher listened to your Santana bootleg reminded me of the similar scene in Shawshank Redemption where Andy locks himself in a room to listen to music knowing the price will be high, but enjoying it anyway.

  3. Alice Moore

    Congratulations, Sarah. I am not at all surprised you inspired these students to take action. You inspire me on a regular basis. xo

  4. Johng556

    Wow that was odd. I just wrote an extremely long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say superb blog! ceebeaeadefa

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