Over the course of the Winter of 2020, a team of students have been recording the voices of the Class of 2020 in order to preserve and honor their impact on the St. Andrew’s Community. These recordings take the form of short podcasts modeled after StoryCorps from NPR (National Public Radio). StoryCorps is a powerful approach to oral history and the art of storytelling, where two people who are connected to care about one another engage in meaningful dialogue.
As the world is paralyzed by fear and uncertainty in response to COVID-19, we find ourselves turning to stories. Their power to unify, uplift, and elicit empathy allow us to cope with this moment of extraordinary vulnerability. They make us laugh, cry, and become kinder and more empathetic human beings. At a time like this, we need stories more than ever.
Originally, we had intended for the podcasts to be presented to the Class of 2020 at Commencement whereupon they would become part of the St. Andrew’s Archives. However, we have decided to shift the focus of the project from simply documenting to sharing. After all, stories are meant to be shared. Telling the stories of the St. Andrew's Class of 2020, honoring their legacy, and ensuring their memory lives on is our way of helping the community remain resilient in the face of adversity.
With gratitude and hope,
Nicholas Lampietti '21
Gwendolyn Mellon '21