Extraordinary Acts of Metamorphosis

Kate Olson, Dir. of Alumni and Development

I have a lengthy commute to the Leelanau School campus—my own Iditarod each Winter. My snowy routine includes loading my mini-Goldendoodle Fern into the Subaru (she rides comfortably in the back seat, fear not) to travel over the river and through the woods with a cup of the Coffee Guys Breakfast Blend and my latest Audible book. When I finish a read, I occasionally take Audible's "you may also enjoy" recommendation, often bemoaning their algorithmic selections. They hit the jackpot in February with Katherine May's "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times." 

In her memoir, May uses the Winter metaphor to embrace both the season and those stretches of time when life is tough—when change, illness, sadness, or challenge reshape our directive or timetable. She describes the importance of reflection and rest during these times of transition. 

Winter can be a formidable time in the north woods of Michigan. And this Winter is a doozy! Our light is limited; we are buried in layers of itchy clothes, and the bitter winds and lake-effect snow remind us that nature usually wins this battle. Lake Michigan remains stunningly beautiful from our windows or adventures to the beach, if less beckoning. It is harder to crawl out of the cocoon of our warm bed each morning, even when a Leelanau hot breakfast awaits. It is character-building. It is metamorphic. 

I admire the way The Leelanau School works magic in Winter, especially during Winter Term. We intentionally slow down time, rearrange the daily schedule, remix classmates, and ensure tour purview is transformed. With the support of faculty, "We prepare. We adapt. We perform extraordinary acts of metamorphosis" to get us through and to grow despite the cold. While Leelanau's learning is always creative and compelling, January's courses, activities, and travel are crucibles for many students. Students are encouraged to embrace the challenge of the outdoors with snow sports, morning and afternoon hikes, and the warmth of friends. They deep-dive into fresh topics, try something new, rest with an idea, and expand their horizons and life experiences. 

Winter is a jumping-off point for new thinking - and, thankfully, our eventual Spring!