What the Greenhouse Means to Me – A senior’s perspective from the class of 2019
Susanna Spacek was the 2019 recipient of the Inger Hanus Memorial Gift for Seniors. Below is her winning essay.
Susanna Spacek – Self portrait
Francis of Assisi is credited with saying, “Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” These words were presented to me at my eighth grade graduation from Greenhouse. Then, as a fourteen year old, I could see their truth and now, four years later, their meaning has reached an even greater depth I could not have imagined. Throughout the years, I have been deeply challenged and profoundly nourished. Greenhouse has been a uniquely personal home for me and in retrospect, I wish I could have absorbed each moment even more fully as I now contemplate the close of this chapter in my life. Looking back I am filled with gratitude for how Greenhouse has nurtured my academic, social, and spiritual growth.
Greenhouse planted a seed of thirst for knowledge. I must thank Greenhouse for many of the skills I have learnt. It was through the Greenhouse I wrote my first essay, drew my first still-life, gave my first speech, and performed in my first play. Curiosity and enthusiasm to learn was cultivated in me by a wealth of individuals: my teachers. In thirteen years of school, I never once had a teacher who failed in challenging me to think in new ways. My personal enjoyment of history and craving for art have blossomed at Greenhouse. My art teachers in particular have generously set aside time to give me further instruction, thus firmly fixing in me a passion. As I remember such moments I am touched and inspired by their love and commitment. Greenhouse has exposed me to many interesting books, concepts, and ideas which I am excited to return to again and again throughout my life. Greenhouse has been a firm foundation.
Greenhouse cultivated in me a voice. At Greenhouse, the individuality of each voice is celebrated, yet anchored to the identity, Child of God. When I officially started attending Greenhouse as a first grader, I was quiet and uncertain. Today, I am still quiet and at times, definitely uncertain. But the initial fear which gripped me has loosened. Here, I have learned it is not fear that should guide me, but rather God’s faithfulness in spite of my fear. In the Greenhouse environment I have met some extraordinary people as well as my closest friends, especially in these last two years. These friends have encouraged me to use my voice, and in turn I have had the privilege of seeing them use theirs. It is bittersweet to leave a place in which I have been so kindly guided. I experienced growth in this way, not only socially but also academically. Through school assignments like the Viva Voce, the Oxford Union Debate, and the Thesis Project I found a voice and courage I previously did not know I possessed. These opportunities have disciplined me in ways that will serve me my whole life when I venture out in to the big wide world.
Greenhouse is my family. I have been blessed to share my daily experiences with a small number of God’s kingdom. Greenhouse has given me context for my faith, whether that’s through learning about the history of the Church, or hearing from teachers who proclaim God’s goodness and faithfulness. Greenhouse has also gifted me with something I think is quite unique. I have got to be the direct recipient of my own parents’ vocation. I do not think I would have understood the sacrifices which have been made at home if I had not experienced the fruits of their vision.
Through Greenhouse, I have done things which I previously had thought impossible. Greenhouse has taught me to be articulate, and yet, I am so overwhelmed with gratitude that no combination of words quite sums up the emotions in my head. At Greenhouse, all have been encouraged to follow in Christ’s example. And now, as I prepare to leave, I am given a fork-in-the-road. Will I continue to walk a Christ-centered path when I am out on my own? Though I cannot know the future, I do know this: God has used the Greenhouse to show me his love, and that has been so meaningful to me.
About the Inger Hanus Memorial Gift for Seniors
Inger Hanus was a home-schooling mom who got involved in the Greenhouse back in 2006. She loved everything Greenhouse had to offer: the classical curriculum, plays, art shows and the wax museums. Inger loved the staff and families of Greenhouse as well, with many families becoming lifelong friends. Inger went to be with the Lord in 2012. The Inger Hanus Memorial gift was created to remember Inger and her love for the Greenhouse. The gift is awarded each year to a student finishing their high school career whose life was positively impacted by being part of this community.