Adding sugar to the sometimes-sour lemonade called life

I am ecstatic to introduce to you the first recipient of the Mike Saucier Memorial Scholarship, created in honor of my husband, whom cancer stole from us, but who lives in us.
​

Ariella Nardizzi, Cronkite School Class of 2021

Her name is Ariella Nardizzi and she is a rising junior at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, where I teach and the place I chose to host the scholarship because of its commitment to inclusiveness. Like Mike, Ariella comes from Massachusetts and is passionate about writing, traveling and the outdoors. Ariella's acceptance letter brought tears to my eyes for many reasons, including the fact that it was so well-written; those of you who knew Mike know how much he cared for one's care for words and how they're strung together. In it, she wrote: 

This scholarship will allow me to continue my invaluable education at Cronkite School, which is helping me achieve my aspirations of becoming a travel journalist and future writer. I'm truly honored to continue Mr. Saucier’s legacy through my education, writing and adoration for the outdoors.

Ariella has been spending the fall semester studying in Florence, Italy. We haven't met in person yet, though I've gotten to know her a bit through the blog posts she has written about her experience and the lessons she has learned. One such lesson is that we need to slow down. We need to give ourselves time to appreciate what's around, walk more leisurely, take our eyes off our phones and see the people and places we pass by. "There’s no shame in taking in what’s around you," she wrote. "It’s only a waste of time if you perceive if that way."

So let's all slow down a bit. Let's breathe. Yes, there's work to be done, emails to be read and replied to, appointments to be kept, kids to raise, commitments to manage. There are also friends and family to call and visit, sights to gaze at, stories to listen to, silence to honor and enjoy. Sometimes, the best living is done in the quietest of ways. Life is busy, and crazy, and competitive, and demanding, but it is also short. 

I went to a park with my daughter and her friend on Sunday. The girls were playing on the swings. I was lying under a tree, hands folded over my belly, feeling it rise and fall as I took in air that smelled like burgers. Nothing happened. It was perfect.  

With love and purpose,

Fernanda.