Marking the Milestone: A letter to the Senior Class of 2020

Dear Graduating Class of 2020:

I don’t know about you, but there’s been a weird dread to the past week. I think it’s realizing that this is the last week of the weirdest semester of our lives. Yes. And accompanying that is this feeling of, “how do I hold onto this? How do I delay what’s coming?”

The weirdest semester of our lives is almost over … and I don’t know about you, but when it all started, I didn’t think we’d still be here - like in lockdown limbo. …I didn’t think there would be such a palpable uncertainty at times; a grief for what we knew to be predictable and reliable. …and I certainly didn’t think that I wouldn’t get to say good-bye. To celebrate the closing of your chapter - our chapter.

Remember when you guys were still on Facebook and in high school played “truth is” all the time? (Maybe you’re even too young to know what “truth is” … insert shock-face emoji)

Well, the truth is - I have a lot of feelings wrapped up in this class. You might not be aware of it; I wasn’t really till last week. The thing is - some of you were my first prospective visits - Sydney Holt, at AutumnFest in November 2015. That spring, I remember meeting Brady Littlefield, Ethan Douglass, and Maddy Meyer.

And then, guys, right in the middle of your orientation, my world crashed. Dan Kiesling, my husband, my reason for being HERE at MSU, in Animal Science - died. I didn’t know what to do besides keep showing up for work. So, I did.

I showed up for you. I smiled for you. I shouldered your trials - even - especially, the trivial ones, while carrying my own cross of grief. It was not easy. It is honestly the hardest thing I’ve had to do - to keep showing up everyday for people who are a bit oblivious to the load I was dragging behind.

You are my first class of teaching ANS 101. I remember Ethan and David chatting it up; Mike sitting on the side; Henry up front chatting with Ashley; Marissa and Khalilah in the back. You might not remember, but I do.

Fifteen years ago, I was interviewing for a “dream job” position at Iowa State, and referred to my student as “my kids.” One of the interviewers questioned me and said, “They are adults — not kids; you should show them respect in your terminology.” I replied, “You misunderstand. I call them MY kids to denote the level of responsibility I feel in their growth and development.” That feeling of parental care drives me to pour out my energy, my ideas, my life for you.

I chose to return to the department for you.

This - Animal Science - was Dan’s department. This suite was where we worked together. My office now was his. He LOVED this place. He is who he is because of Animal Science…and if I could help contribute to that legacy - to the beautiful tapestry of MSU Animal Science - I would; no matter how hard.

Showing up for you allowed me to show up for myself.

I am others-focused. I want to tend to your needs. I want to talk about your goals - I want to be part of the plan in making YOUR dream a reality. Sometimes, that gets heavy, sure. Especially in times like this, where some of you are worrying about how to afford your rent, or get food, or your family’s future - it can get heavy. But, it also gives me LIFE. When you reach for your dreams and achieve them - your success is my success.

And now, you are graduating. Your next chapter is starting - and that is BOTH scary and exciting - yes, it is. Your next chapter is just a page away - waiting to be turned and written. That possibility - the potential! It’s so exciting I can’t put into words.

…but this chapter, the one I’ve been able to be part of…

my chapter that you’ve been part of -

we don’t get to say good-bye.

we don’t get to make crepes. We don’t get to wait in the “bowels of Breslin” together. I didn’t get to congratulate each of you after your name was called — recalling 4 years of conversations, classes, and eye rolls. We didn’t get to sing “MSU, we love thy shadows,” together. (A song I only hear in Dan’s voice.)

The best part of graduation is that we get to celebrate these past four years of fun and frustration, struggle and success TOGETHER. As a community. That’s the beauty of being a Spartan, after all.

We are one tapestry woven together. Your family, faculty, staff, alumni, you - and those yet to come. We are all one — unified in our spirit of community and connection. Together. Forward together.

Of all the schools I’ve worked with, the SpartANS spirit has shaped me the most. The idea of duty, sacrifice, and honor of the warriors of Sparta resonated strongly with me in the Fall of 2016. Those themes of responsibility and connectedness brought me to work, to you, during that first year. Witnessing your joy, enthusiasm for learning, commitment to growing - trust of my wisdom - those brought ME back to life. During the following years, I rediscovered me and tapped deeper into my calling and abilities. Thank YOU for showing up every day. Thank you for trusting my guidance. Thank you for doing the little things asked of you in class - for I hope you will recognize, they were the big things.

SpartANS, I feel like we are both closing chapters of great growth. Our stories are woven together in the great epic of history. I wouldn’t choose it any other way. I believe in each of your potential to do great things — knowing those are the small, daily practices and habits done with love, passion, and for the good of another — that will truly change this world for good.

Thank you for a great chapter.

Forward. Together.

Jessica