In a Nutshell: The Perfect Porridge

Autumn officially begins on Sunday! Now that I live in the countryside, I have been watching this change of seasons happening for quite some time right in front of my eyes - the vegetation is changing, the leaves are falling, the nuts are being gathered by woodsy friends, the poison ivy is turning a crimson red, the fog is hovering over the pond in the crisp air of the morning, and that distinct “fall smell” is in the air! 

This weekend we are heading to Dallas to visit Brady and Eliza. They are taking us to the SMU/TCU Football game and immersing us into the pregame “Boulevard” experience. Fall in Dallas feels a bit different…and football in Texas feels a bit larger. I’ll be sure to wear SMU red (or Chiefs red). 

I am a solid football fan - I’ve been practicing my entire life - ALWAYS for the Chiefs (even when there wasn’t much to cheer about back in the 70’s and 80’s), and then for Brady’s many teams from peewee to the NECCO Raiders to the Rockhurst Hawklets to the SMU Mustangs (great to be a football mom)! 

I also take pride in my juggling abilities…not REAL juggling, but the figurative juggling I do on a daily basis. I truly enjoy having lots of balls (or bowling pins or fire rings) in the air, and I am especially energized when I can see the interconnectedness of each one. 

Right now…today…I can count no less than 9 varied objects - all twirling and swirling, rising and falling, moving rhythmically in the Oakhill air! Each object is figuratively connected to the other in some strategic and forward thinking way. The Welcome Project, Auxiliary Gym, enrollment storytelling campaign, Mighty Oak Fund kickoff, Lifeskill focus, elevated academic experience, **the perfect porridge, and cohesive communication plan are all being thrown, caught, and thrown again!

**Perfect Porridge definition - each student deserves, needs, and wants the perfect curricular porridge (not too easy, not too hard, but just right) and no two pots of porridge have identical recipes.

Aside from juggling, I like to think I am a FAST Rubik’s cuber (not)! Believe it or not, when I was in middle school, I could solve the Rubik’s cube pretty fast, but today - not so much! I liken our engagement opportunities to the individual cubes on the Rubik’s (Oakhill) cube - each one is unique, yet connected; the right spins and moves can create a curated experience. The Oakhill cube is made up of many varied opportunities for parents and students to engage, to participate, to have fun, to connect, and to be a part of this amazing family like community. 

During the next few weeks, you will have the opportunity to play or volunteer at the Helen Wills Golf Tournament, stop by our Kids Corner tent during Gladfest (or simply enjoy the community festival), volunteer at our Grandparent and Special Friends Day event complete with a Farmer’s Market and more, attend the Oakhill Drama Performance (The Little Mermaid), and/or enjoy our “NEW” family fall party at Alldredge Farms. 

Regardless of your juggling ability, your speed at the Rubik’s Cube, or your fanatic actions at a football game, my advice and ask of you is - JUST engage, participate, attend, volunteer, and get involved in your Oakhill community - with your Oakhill family! The return on your engagement investment will give back to you tenfold. 

My daughter, Brooke, turns 21 next week! Time flies! From someone who has “been there and done that” at Oakhill with my own children, I can’t reiterate enough how important it is to enjoy this special time at this special place! We are not here to overwhelm you with activities, events and opportunities, but to create these spaces to make moments and memories! 

Take advantage of all things Oakhill,

Suzanne