Reflecting on 2020: A note from Imagine Scholar’s Founder, Corey Johnson

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit earlier this year, we released a statement surrounding our shift away from on-campus learning that students don’t come to Imagine Scholar, that they are Imagine Scholar. With the days of this year coming to a close, this sentiment could not have rung more true. I find myself taking stock of 2020 with a deep sense of gratitude for what Imagine Scholar really means, and what it has become.

Firstly, a sincere thank you to our Board of Directors, donors and advocates. This year has been incredibly difficult — difficult for big organizations, small nonprofits like us, and for individuals on a profoundly personal level. Nearly every member of our network stayed with us this year, and moreover, found new ways to step up and support extended programming, even if it involved some experimentation.

Thank you to our staff, who continue to think out of the box and design truly excellent educational experiences. I use the word experiences intentionally, as this year proved we don’t need four walls, laptops, classes with start and end times, or any conventional vestiges of “school” for the essence of our program to be felt. Our team went the extra mile to ensure we delivered — not just top-notch education under undeniably difficult circumstances, but also essentials that kept families in our community safe. PPE drop offs, food deliveries, guidance on navigating misinformation. 2020 has been a year where we were stretched to do more than our mission statement, and our team took ambiguity in stride.

Most importantly, thank you to our students who kept the Imagine Scholar spirit of quirkiness, curiosity, kindness, and thoughtful leadership alive no matter what. A community is only as great as every member decides to make it, and this year, our student body exhibited a level of dedication and positivity far beyond their years. 2020 had the guard rails come off and necessitated that students adapt and live our organizational mantra of autodidactic learning — and they did. Scholars showed up for the organization, for their families, and for themselves.

I’m grateful to be a part of our community and see this year as an affirmation that the world needs the kind of positivity and hope that emanates from our space more than ever. I am looking forward to 2021 and our continued forward momentum.

Warmly,

Corey Johnson, Founder & Executive Director