Dearest UA Families,

While Disney World was branded the most magical place on earth, I’d argue that Ursuline becomes its own brand of exceptionally magical this time of the year – not because of special effects and amusement rides, but because of the people. As I take in the vibrant colors of students in costumes packing our bleachers, the reverberating beat of their drums and cheers, and the synchronized movement of classes bobbing up and down as they fully embrace the moment, I’m convinced that the rhythm of Intramurals echoes the heartbeat of our school culture.

From an external perspective, our Intramurals tradition might seem to only highlight phenomenal athleticism and artistic genius. However, those of us who have lived the intensive weeks of prep work, spent time handing out clothespins in the hallways during Deco Day, and sang the alma mater in the gym after the games know that these days are an amazing celebration of the goodness of coming together as a community. Last week, I was recalling Intramurals in 2021, when our community was split between the gym and soccer field for assemblies. Students were spaced out, donning masks, and shaking noisemakers because they could not use their voices to cheer. Even then, we were deeply grateful to simply be together, and it was a powerful reminder of the goodness of community. I will never take this sacred time for granted in our school calendar.

At the Spirit Rally, the Grade Deans and I asked the students to notice and celebrate the things happening outside of their own class. As they walk in awe through the completed hallways and stand before the murals of their sisters, we challenged them to Seek out the incredible goodness around them. Yes, we will compete, but not at the expense of sisterhood. Whatever the individual results may be, the end goal always remains the same: the experience of the goodness of community.

Beyond the Intramurals themes, decorations, mascots, and accessories, each advisory also came together in service, creating boxes of supplies that were donated to Genesis Women’s Shelter. We hold this beautiful reminder that Intramurals is not only about competition, but about compassion and care for others.

My Lenten devotional last week included a quote which keeps coming back to me, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that belong to each other,” by St. Mother Teresa. Intramurals is one of the clearest reminders that we belong to each other. This truth extends far beyond Intramurals. We belong to each other, and we show up for each other. Just in the past week, I’ve seen this through sporting events, in support of our AMAZING theatre Bears, welcoming our global sisters, through peer tutoring in the Learning Lab, coming together in belonging spaces and when seniors sign the college map, holding each other in prayer formally and informally, and most recently at the funeral of a former colleague’s father. I’m grateful to be counted among Ursuline’s faculty and advisors, because I see my colleagues repeatedly showing up in these ways as well. They show up because they know it is a physical reminder and a way of saying we belong to each other.

Insieme, the Italian word for together, hangs in our cafeteria as both a reminder and promise that we belong to each other and recognize the responsibility we each have in doing life together. God chose each person on this campus to be together for this moment in time – seniors, juniors, sophomores, freshmen, and faculty. That's a gift and a mystery in itself. As Intramurals reminds us of the joy of community and friendship, may it also remind us of our deeper call to belong to one another, both at school and at home, in generous and faithful service every day.

With the joy of togetherness,

Mandy Briones

Dean of Students