Our former managing editor, Sarah Hart, has put in a tremendous amount of work into making The Apollos a place where the voice of the community can be heard. Her countless late nights, snack runs to keep us well fed, and tireless optimism have kept us moving forward. As we move into the next era of The Apollos, we want to thank Sarah for all that she has done, not just for the staff at The Apollos but for the entire Paul Smith’s Community.
Sarah,
I may have only worked with you as an editor for less than one semester, but by no means does that limit the influence you have had on my life. The day I first learned of you was when I attended an event in which you did a presentation; it was my first semester as a freshman. I learned of your backstory and was amazed. Little did I know that one year later I would get to work so closely with you for The Apollos. I am so thankful that I had taken your Hearts and Minds course, because that was when I first learned that you were a faculty member who I always felt comfortable talking to. After spending the majority of this semester as your employee, I will always view you as one of my biggest role models. The strength you have shown this semester has amazed me far beyond the fact that you grew up in Africa. You are one of the most powerful women I have met in my lifetime so far. The strength and pride that you display with you motherhood is unsurpassable. I will always tell your story for years to come. I will tell of how you put your values first, and the sacrifices you made to protect those values. There is no possible way that I could ever thank you enough for the strength you have shown me. I hope to one day be as powerful as you, I will try to keep in touch always.
Thank you for all you have done for me and our community,
Katherine
It’s not easy saying goodbye to people you’ve come to know and respect. It’s even harder trying to say goodbye to those same people who you have become friends with. Harder still, is trying to think of the words to fully encapsulate and describe your appreciation for them, and the words to convey the dull sadness and resigned regret you only got to know them for a short time before they moved on to the next chapter of their lives. And when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of it, words are rarely ever enough to sum up how wonderful, caring, and amazing the people in your life are.
Sarah,
Even though I’ve only known you for a semester, I can honestly say you are one of the most caring people I’ve ever met. And that the entirety of Paul Smith’s will be cheapened by you not being here anymore. And even though many are sad to see you go, everyone who was lucky enough to have known how kick-ass you are will always think about how you have touched their lives. I know I will.
People like you are far too few and rare in this jerk heavy world we live in, and all of us already miss seeing you around. Never forget how kick-ass and stellar you are Sarah.
Your friend,
Spencer Bucolo
Working with Sarah Hart is a wonderful experience. In between the laughter and silliness, there are moments of great reflection and thought-provoking conversation, which is a blessing to have as one gets older. Sarah was both stern and kind as chief editor. To say we are at The Apollos are sad to see her go is an understatement, but I know that no matter what she decides, she will thrive. We all wish you the best, Sarah, and thank you for everything!
-Kevin
Where to start, you are a fearless teacher, leader, and friend. When I first joined the Apollos I was so lost in all the software, editing, and classes that I wanted to pull my hair out. Through it all, you have been a mentor in my life. Classes, as we all know, can be overwhelming and when they were you always told me to “fake it till you make it.” You made me realize that my dreams are possible. When you gave me the opportunity at the Apollos I didn’t know what would come from it. It has made me realize a passion for reflection in literature that I never knew I had. I know wherever You, Chris and Edith go, you will challenge people, change perspective and make this world a better place. Even though I am moving to Indiana, you will still receive many calls from me when I need that awesome “Chris and Sarah” advice. You guys have been like family to me and for that, I thank you.
“In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.”- Dalai Lama
-Tyler
Sarah,
I remember sitting in your office for the first time nearly two years ago now, and while I could say that back then I had no idea that you would become such an important part of my life, that would be a lie. Upon meeting you, I finally felt like I had met someone on this campus who understood. Through meeting you and becoming involved with The Apollos I finally found the sense of place—and purpose— on this campus that I had been looking for. And for that alone, I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for getting it, Sarah. Thank you for giving a voice to those who felt like they didn’t have one. Thank you for carving out a space on this campus for those who felt like they didn’t have one. Thank you for pushing me to be a better writer. Thank you for seeing me in tears more than once, and never treating me any differently because of it. Thank you for being one of the most kind and supportive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. Thank you for not only being an exceptional boss and mentor, but also an amazing friend. Thank you for everything you have done not just for me, but for this community. I wish I had the words to say all these things and more in an eloquent manner, but trust me when I say you have touched the lives of the people in this community in such a positive way. I am so grateful to have met you and your family, and I truly don’t know where I would be without you. Thank you for being one of the rare people in this world. Above all, thank you for fiercely standing by your values. Words cannot express the extent of my admiration for that alone.
I already miss your presence on this campus, but I know this is not goodbye! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, whatever it is I know you will flourish.
Thank you for everything,
Erinn Pollock
Sarah,
Putting together this issue of The Apollos has been a bittersweet experience. Since day one, the students who have crafted the publication are creative, insightful, hardworking and daring—thanks in no small part to the care and guidance you brought to every meeting. And while your physical presence is missed, your legacy there will remain.
The Apollos has given members of this community both a voice to be heard and an opportunity to listen, and for that, this community has you to thank.
It’s been a pleasure working with you, and all the best to you and your family.
My friends… my heart is full to bursting upon reading these. I am SO touched. It was a tremendous gift and honor to work with each of you. The work we did – and the great times we had doing it – gave me the greatest blessing: a sense of purpose, a sense of valid service, and a space to grow. I thank you with every bit of my heart!
LOVE, Sarah (and Chris and Edith too!)