Read the FY21 Annual Report

Letter from BRYC’s Executive Director, Lucas Spielfogel

This past December, I was hanging out with some Senior Fellows before the start of evening programs. With 10 feet and N95s between us, they shared how excited they had been for BRYC’s Tennessee college tour, planned to start March 13, 2020. One Fellow remembered how her suitcase had been packed and her outfit laid out when she learned the trip was canceled. They were sophomores then.

I’ve spent most of the last two years charging forward, problem solving, rarely letting myself absorb the staggering totality of loss, which for a generation includes the loss of childhood memories. The Class of 2022 will be the third to graduate high school during the pandemic. They are young adults, but they are also kids who looked forward to trips, celebrations, and other joyous occasions they never had. Hence our choice not to include photographs.

I’m proud of the progress detailed in this report. But, loving our Fellows does not only mean commending their ability to charge forward despite it all. It means questioning why they must always be so resilient, and inviting them to properly grieve all they have lost. In 2022, I hope we can all afford ourselves and one another this grace we need to heal.

Much love,

Lucas

Read more about how BRYC weathered the COVID-19 storm and the many ways our Fellows and Alumni achieved big last year, against all odds.