Each year, the Dundon-Berchtold Institute adds to its mosaic-style "Glimpses Project.” Through this platform, invited members of the broader UP community share with us little time capsules that capture thoughts about one moment from the year that is still lingering with them.
This is not intended to be a grand arc of storytelling from the whole year, nor framed as a thorough reflection in which contributors now have a full understanding and meaning of the moment. Rather, we have heard from some members of our community that they are still holding some pretty raw experiences and thoughts in mind.
Diana Salgado Huicochea
- Class of 2020
"'Adulting' does not mean a lack of cherishing moments with loved ones nor separation from one’s family but seeing how our circle of loved ones expands. How generosity can inspire, motivate, and teach us to spread love and care to our neighbors, to our human family."
Fay Beeler
- Class of 2009
"If we are able and willing to reach out to our various communities, we can find comfort and joy in supporting one another. During these tumultuous times, it is also imperative that we allow ourselves to receive help from others, too. I believe the old adage “it takes a village” is more true now than ever."
Kelsey Davis
- Class of 2009
"The spiritual life loves the both/and, so the action of caring becomes steeped in mutuality and interdependence. As we care for ourselves, we care for each other. And as we care for each other, we care for ourselves. This is what it means to be in community. "
Nathan DeVaughn
- Class of 2016
"2020 gave us an opportunity to take a deeper look at ourselves and our loved ones. It illuminated areas were people discovered that care was needed, whether that was self care, care for the environment, or learning how to care for marginalized communities. I saw 2021 as the year to execute on the care we learned about. "
Lt. Col. Nicholas Cowan, USAF
"I learned that the best part about those who truly care is that they do not do it for vanity or accolades. They were there for me when I needed them even if it meant a delay. "
SimonMary Aihiokhai, Ph.D.
"Our job is to read the signs of the times closely and be open to how God leads us to God’s light through the unfamiliar encounters that play out in our lives. My students and myself are God’s light to each other as we walk together in solidarity during this pandemic."
Joe Sleven
- Class of 2013
"I’ll leave this period of our lives with more intention and purpose than I’ve ever had before, and I know I’m not the only one who feels that way."
Noah Lamberger
- Class of 2023
EPI internship: WorldOregon
"I have an interest in applied ethics and was eager to learn about how different people and workplaces address and navigate professionalism."
Alex Calvert
- Class of 2014
"Little did I expect that the entire world would be thrown into the crucible together this year, even as I found myself on exciting precipices: a year into a new city and job after 10 years in Portland and, more importantly, I was in the healthiest relationship I’d ever been in."
Bill Reed
- Class of 1972
"This concept of poverty is not just the lower level, it is filtering up. And more and more people have a need than ever before. As I think of that, we need to as a nation and as a people, we need to start supporting each other. Through supporting each other, it’s the only way we are ever going to obtain a better society. We need to help each other."
Donald Wilson
- Class of 2006
"For those that know me, I’m a basketball coach in the Vancouver area. I have the unique opportunity to mentor and train roughly 50, about 75 kids at any given time. As of March of 2020, amateur sports were put on pause due to the pandemic, as we all know. Gyms had limited capacity and eventually closed. Leagues and tournaments cancelled. Leaving coaches, parents, and anyone who was involved in any young athlete’s life looking for creative ways to keep them active. "
Lydia Heye
- Class of 2019
"The pandemic forced many of us to move our entire world onto our desktop screens, in the process eliminating many everyday inconveniences like commuting in traffic or going to meetings that could have been emails. However, the pandemic did not eliminate racism. If anything, it drew it out into the light."
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