LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A Message for 2020 Graduates

Congratulations 2020 graduates! I am the pediatrician to some of you, and I wanted to send my congratulations to all of you who celebrated a graduation this year—virtually, in a friend’s backyard or social distancing with your class.

It’s been an unusual year, and you are an extraordinary group of young people. It was difficult to see you all miss out on your well-deserved traditional graduations after working so hard all year under incredible circumstances, but then I saw how friends, families, teachers and administrators rose up and worked tirelessly above and beyond to create something uniquely special and timeless for this outstanding group of graduates.

I hope that moving forward, you will carry that knowledge and these memories with you so that perseverance, optimism, resourcefulness and ingenuity will always define your extraordinary group.

I like to think of you all like Harry Potter, marked in a secret, magical way, forever wise and enchanted, making your print on the world in remarkable ways.

For those of you that are my patients, it is a joy to be able to take care of you, listen to you and watch you continue to grow into marvelous people.

To ALL the 2020 graduates, you have matriculated during an extraordinary time of hope and change; in coming together as a community, I hope that this unique class of 2020 students will continue to approach the world and its challenges just like you graduated: in unconventional, creative, inventive and inspirational ways.

Congratulations! Well done! Have a safe summer! I’m always here for you.

Alisa Bromberg MD
Palisades Pediatrics Primary Care
Providence St John’s Health Center

The following was originally sent to Rich Wilken of the Pacific Palisades Optimist Club and has been reprinted here with Eli Safaie-Kia’s permission.

Hope you’re well and safe. I wanted to thank you and all of the other Optimists not only for the incredibly generous scholarship, but also for the immense kindness you have shown me over the last few years.

From my first Optimists meeting with Amir almost three years ago, I have been welcomed with open arms and made a part of the Optimists family. Waking up extra early on a Tuesday to stop by a meeting was always my favorite part of the week, and there was no better way to start my day than surrounded by true Optimists. You have supported me and the Ambassadors every step of the way, and I am so grateful for that.

Thank you guys for the generous scholarship, and all your hard work to support the Pali students. What you do makes such a positive difference in the Pali community. I’m staying close for college next year, so you guys haven’t gotten rid of me just yet! I think you may have a lifelong Optimist on your hands.

Stay well, and I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Eli Safaie-Kia