Anassa Kata

For those readers who go/went to Bryn Mawr or for those who have heard me talk about Bryn Mawr enough to know what it means to Anass, bear with me for a sec.  Bryn Mawr College has a cheer.  Only a senior may begin the cheer and it is something that I personally looked forward to for the first three years of college.  We use this cheer a lot.  And every time it gives me that warm bubbly feeling that travels up through my belly and sits right at my heart, giving everything the golden glow of too many good emotions (even when I wasn't feeling bubbly, golden, or good).

Outside of Bryn Mawr, sometimes its hard to remember that starting the Anass (the cheer) is not normal.  No one will join in, chanting and shouting at the top of their lungs.  It would be strange to start shouting in Greek.  But since we use the Anass to recognize something or celebrate something (or be excited about something or just want to shout about something) it makes sense that this kind of action - a public display of support - would take place at, for example, a performance.

Tonight I wanted to Anass.  I wanted to Anass Thailand, I wanted to Anass the teachers and the parents, I wanted to Anass G and our TAs, but most importantly, I wanted to Anass my kids.

We have spent the last two weeks practicing for tonight.  Our big show.  A chance to show the parents and the school that in Our English program you get to have fun and learn cool songs in English.  We have worked so hard.  Tonight it all paid off.  Tonight my kids were brilliant.  Tonight they danced and sang in-sync with each other.  Tonight I couldn't get the smile off my face.  Tonight I was so so proud.  Tonight, well, tonight I wanted to Anass my kids.

So here's to them, and in memory of all the children of Newtown, CT who should have had more opportunities to make their teachers proud:

Anassa kata kalo kale

ia ia ia nike

Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr, Bryn Mawr