Lysette Kessler
You are an inspirational light to all who know you. Like your mother, you will tell me that I’m biased because you’re my daughter. Yes, I fully admit it! That doesn’t change how highly I think of you because of your wonderful ways and that you’re unique and original. As your friends put on a t-shirt they made for you: “It’s a Lysette thing, you wouldn’t understand.”
Your superpower is combining a strong empathy to help and serve others and the ability to intellectualize it into action. This along with a maturity and wisdom beyond your years coupled with a strong work ethic has you making a positive difference in all you do.
In addition, I admire your fearlessness to take on new challenges, try new things, and seek the path less traveled rather than the easy road. You were born to privilege and have doors open to you that so many can only dream of. Yet you choose a path of service to others.
A few highlights of all these traits come to mind.
Joining your high school equestrian team with zero experience in any riding competition. The coach suggested you could join as a “groom”, which supports the other riders. Or possibly participate in the gaming events. No hesitation, “I’ll do the gaming!” A freshman with a borrowed trail horse, no experience but a huge heart and fearless grit, you earned points right away that helped your team succeed. From there you kept learning and taking on new challenges.
Americorps. Swimming upstream when most were going downstream. You chose to move across the continent to Sitka, Alaska and serve others working for (literally) poverty wages. You quickly found your niche and contributed to a community that needed you. You learned, adapted, served and still managed to have fun. You sacrificed being able to come home for holidays to take care of those around you, and formed lifelong friendships. On top of that, you found a way to save money towards grad school. How is that even possible?!
London. Again, taking the tougher challenge to attend grad school abroad instead of returning to UM. I dropped you off at the airport with 4 bags and a mask, and off you went. Despite the challenges of remote learning and pandemic restrictions, you found a way to make it work. Once again, finding roommates, friends and flourishing amidst a global pandemic.
Now finished with your masters, you have a wonderful job where you continue to build your career and impress those around you.
What doesn’t challenge us, won’t change us. You live that everyday with passion, energy and love. You enrich the lives of those around you and have done more at 25 than most do in a lifetime. You are my inspiration and pride.
Looking forward to continued great things!