Otero Inspires Students to Embrace Their Unique Selves
Our middle and upper school community gathered yesterday for Convocation, a tradition that marks the start of a new school year with inspiration and reflection.
Head of School Scott Kennedy opened the program by encouraging students to look beyond their day-to-day routines and recognize the bigger picture. “Today you will hear about the importance of understanding that there’s a world outside of Collegiate and Granby Street and the importance of connecting and being who you want to be,” Kennedy said as he introduced this year’s speaker.
Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher Ivonne Marie Otero, who is originally from Puerto Rico, then delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to students in grades 6–12 about the importance of being authentic.
“Be authentic to yourself. Being a community-minded citizen isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up and being willing to learn,” Otero said. She reflected on what she observed during last year’s Upper School Club Fair, sharing how impressed she was by students’ creativity and individuality. “You were true to yourself, showing your uniqueness in your offerings,” she told them.
Encouraging students to lean into their strengths, she reminded them: “Always be yourself. Everybody else has already been taken.” Otero also challenged students to take risks and grow: “Choose one thing outside your comfort zone. What’s one thing about you that makes you proud? Hold onto that. In life, not everything will come easy, but it will help you grow. Be an engaged and community-minded citizen.”
In closing, Otero tied her message to the school’s values, urging students to embody the Portrait of an Oak in all they do. “This year, I challenge you to live out being a Portrait of an Oak in everything you do. Be like the Oak. Even when storms come, bend, don’t break.”
Her words set a meaningful tone for the year ahead, inspiring students to celebrate their uniqueness, embrace challenges, and grow stronger together as a community.
