“A Tribute to Exponent on Your 50th Anniversary”
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Dear Exponent:
Happy 50th! At this celebratory moment, I honor:
The Founding Mothers, who have been joined by subsequent generations of creators, editors, cheerleaders, truth-tellers, and leaders — all of them an inspiration.
The magazine, which I started reading in its newspaper form over 40 years ago and which has given me the courage and space to share my perspectives and experiences with others through publication.
The retreats, where I can live out loud and bring all parts of myself, unmuted. When I first attended, I could be a PhD student, a new wife, a questioning but believing Mormon, and a feminist. In later years, I could be a divorced person, the mother of an adult daughter, a working professional with a demanding job, and a believing Mormon no longer. And in all the years, I can sing my heart out, feel the strength of community energizing my body and soul, and take refuge in nature’s beauty. You have held space for my tears of sorrow and of gratitude, and for my shrieks of laughter — sometimes all in the same evening.
I am grateful beyond words, dear Exponent. May your next 50, 100, and 150 years be joyous!
Allison is an educational developer and instructor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Her first Exponent II essay, “Coalescence,” was published in 1986. She attends retreats and still publishes in the magazine.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Categories: Shout Outs
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