As I started to write for the Fall Edition of 2021, I went back to read some of the articles of the last two editions that we put together and published from the start of this pandemic until now. It was a great exercise and experience for me, because it once again walked me through the events, thoughts and emotions of so many of us during the past year and half; the ideas, beliefs and expectations that each of us had for the times we were going through. It was the very first time that most of us had to go through life without being able to have a plan, without knowing when we would be able to see close family members, go to family functions, doctor appointments and most importantly, how to do school or business when no actor in the scene “knew their lines or their cues”.

In the edition right after the pandemic, we were focusing on resilience. We had grown to know a new measure of resilience on a personal level and as bigger social groups - either as families, work collectives, and even as whole nations. Some of us had needed a much deeper level of resilience, the pandemic only the background of what was happening in our lives, health-wise or family-wise. I was one of these people. I would have never thought or imagined that I would find comfort and reassurance in the idea of a global lockdown, as if it gave me permission to just stop everything and divert all attention and healing inwards, where it was most needed. 

The following edition of WORLD Magazine shared stories that showed the courage and agility of our alumni, as we kept navigating challenging times. I was once again in awe with the insight that came from the stories of the AISB alumni, the courage and energy they had as they were going through all their unique journeys. 

In the midst of these stories, there is a group that shines through, unique in their experience: the newest alumni, the AISB Graduating Class of 2020! The stories they shared with us as their university plans either dissolved right before their eyes or had to drastically change, became a learning experience for the graduates of 2021 when we organized our Letting GO event with them and their families.

In this edition of WORLD, we are now sharing stories and experiences of our alumni going through the pandemic - at universities, at their
placements, at their new workplaces or, well, a complete rerouting, redirecting of their careers. For some, even a rethinking of their
whole existence. We are finally normalizing different higher studies pathways, finally starting to remove the stigma around gap years, around taking a year off from studies to go to work, and the stigma around interrupting studies that weren’t bringing joy, accomplishment,
expansion, but to the contrary - were having a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing. 

In the pages of this edition you will read some great representations of such pathways, and of the amazing resilience, courage, agility and grit of these amazing human beings. Enjoy!

Fabiana Papastefani / AISB Alumni Coordinator
 

Read the whole World Magazine Fall 2021 edition here: