Loveletters...
To my Community; the Village of Yellow Springs, the Antioch College Alums, and friends of Antioch College:

Something happened to me in that Cincinnati weekend. I was one of the students who spoke. Like many, the news that the University's "hasty decision to close the college" forced my family and I into quick action.

Before I spoke, I sat on the side of the room feeling sick. My palms were sweating and I was shaking. I was so afraid that I would walk up to the podium and have absolutely everything that I had written the night before, and some even on the way to Cincinnati, leave me and I would simply stare at the Board of Trustees and throw up. (Out of nervousness, of course)

But something happened as I made my way to the podium. I was about to expose myself publicly in a way I never had before, to impress upon the BOT the sheer necessity of Antioch College staying open.

I felt each one of you in the room behind me. Someone, right before I made my way up, reminded me that when you are nervous, you do your best stuff. You know who you are. That helped immensely and I was also reminded that I WAS WITH FAMILY. It was, in fact, something I had stated in my speech. That at Antioch I adopted and found my roots. You are all here, and I could never be more proud than I am right now and every day I spend in Yellow Springs smiling at everyone I meet. You have even fed us some of the most amazing food - most home-made - during our Orientation Weekend. You have welcomed us at meetings, joined ours, flown signs on our behalf and encouraged us every step of the way. Some have donated money, others time, expertise, love, patience, and much much more.

I want to thank you - my adopted roots - for all you have done for us, me, and this school. I realize that Antioch College is a benefit to everyone, but it's our community that really makes us stand out - a community that is more than 150 years in the making. Though every second of these days aren't always filled with constant sunshine and happiness, I have grown more in these past few weeks more than I have in my entire adult life. I wouldn't have it any other way, and I wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world. I can't wait to meet all of you as time goes on.
I know that there are many others who wish to express their thank yous, so with this letter comes a forum for all of us to give thanks to those who are working tirelessly for our cause.


brightest blessings to you all

Amanda Caserta
Antioch Student