Roots

Reprinted from 1989 SYA Newsletter

by Gary Hendrickson [ES'89F ES'94F CN'99F]

“Take care to keep the root dangling in some of its earth just so you'll remember where it came from.”

It’s been almost two months since we uprooted from the motherland and transplanted ourselves here, into Spanish soil, under a stronger, less forgiving sun. And we're taking hold. Our senses, once deadened by habituation, have sprung to life; the ear strains, the eye squints, the fingers stretch. Changes in dress, hairstyle and accent signal deeper changes. As we calculate time in terms of tomorrows, our hearts beat out a wilder tempo, but the blood creating the new rhythms is not new.  The words of archaeologist Charles Olson remind us of that. Using Olson's words as a point of departure, we considered our reasons for bringing — or for not bringing —some of our unique earth with us to Barcelona.   

Many, like Kathy Yoo, brought a tangible full of intangibles. “The yin and yang necklace my sisters gave me is symbolic of a balance and a reflection I need to keep within me at all times. I must remember that I have the ability, like everyone has, to control my own destiny, but that I must both reflect on the past and project into the future to do so.”

For Mark Kallis and Michelle Satterlee the pieces of earth are more than the pair of boots and the chauffeur’s cap they wore on the plane coming over. Mark wears his boots “as a reminder of the values I share with my grandfather, a German immigrant whose boots brought him to a new land. Like him, I am starting to uncover a new life for myself.” For Michelle, wearing her grandfather's cap reminds her of a man who has not only given her much love, but has also given her “the determination and perseverance [she] needs to make this year work.”

When Matt Hoidal packed his bags, it was a photograph of his parents that he hoped would make his re-rooting a success. “When I look at that picture of my parents, I think of all those rough times they endured while I was growing. I think of all the books they read to me and all the times they spoiled me. When I look into their eyes, I see tears of joy because their son has ventured off into another world to broaden his horizons.”

Perhaps Ali Petschek heard Olson's words clearest. She didn't bring any pictures of her family. “A little thing, you might say, and yet their absence nags me. Why didn't I bring them? Was it simple forgetfulness? No. I didn't bring them because I didn't want to — I wanted to be on my own. So now I’m in Spain and away from my family. I think I’m going to send for those pictures. I don’t want to cut my roots; I just want space to grow."

Gary Hendrickson taught English during the 1988-1989 and 1993-1994 school years in Spain and 1998-1999 in China.