This podcast episode features an edited audio recording of the 25th Reunion session, “The Paths We’ve Traveled: Unexpected Journeys Across 25 Years,” held on Saturday, June 7, 9-11AM, in Sanders Theatre.
The session featured nine classmates who shared a story about some of the experiences that have shaped their paths and how they understand what matters in life over the past 25 years. Organized by classmates Katherine Jo, Linnea (Housewright) Beckwith, and Jason Stevenson, with the help of several other classmates, this program followed in the footsteps of our Class Day speaker Conan O’Brien, who, 25 years earlier, openly shared with us some of the struggles, disappointments, and failures he experienced after graduating.
Below is the original description, along with the names of the individual speakers in this recording and time markers for each story. The stories are preceded by introductory remarks by Katherine, Linnea, and Jason, which includes a brief clip from Conan’s Class Day speech, and are followed by a time of discussion with the speakers and reflection questions for those in the audience. We encourage you to listen from beginning to end for the fullest experience.
NOTE: This session was not originally intended to be recorded, and the speakers shared their stories with the understanding that it would not be recorded. It was only learned after the session that Sanders staff had made an audio recording. This edited version is being shared because the organizers and speakers believe that the stories are valuable for classmates who could not attend the session or Reunion. Due to the very personal nature of the stories, however, not all speakers have chosen to share their stories beyond the session, and only 7 stories are featured in this recording.
Original description:
Life doesn't come with a roadmap, and no Harvard course could prepare us for all its surprises. But we don’t have to go it alone. Reflecting on the twists and turns in their own paths, nine classmates open up about what they’ve been learning about ambition, pain, love, regret, forgiveness, uncertainty, joy, rebuilding, aging, being enough, and navigating mid-life toward a life well-lived. Come sit with us and connect.
Time Markers:
- Clip of Conan O'Brien Class Day Speech (June 2000) [3:21]
- Eileen O'Connor: teacher | writer | auntie | friend [6:33]
- Nathaniel Ekman: nonprofit leader | mental health advocate | born to be alive [12:41]
- Julio Vincent Gambuto: author + moviemaker | husband | guncle [18:51]
- Emy Trende: Chief Legal Officer | caregiver wellness advocate | mother of dragons [28:30]
- Sitso Bediako: husband | father | problem-solver | aspirant [35:19]
- Melissa Sueling: advisor I mom I turtle squad runner I varsity snuggling [41:15]
- Marjolein Cuellar: recovering gold-star collector | mom of teens | practicing presence [48:25]
- Discussion: [53:53]
