2022 Christmas Message

24 December 2022 - 91 Professors Row, Tufts University

SOMERVILLE, Massachusetts / STUTTGART, Arkansas

11:55 PM

JOSE ARMANDO, H.M.  -- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays: 

This time of the year is way more than just a custom or a tradition, but infact a symbol of hope and unity. Students finishing their semester and heading back home to meet with family and friends. Parents looking foward in seeing their kids and past time with them. Members of the community looking back into the past, remembering loved ones and looking back at those memories that we would like to experience again. 

The theme for this year is being united, infact that is how these holidays should be, united. Being together is way more than just an action, but infact, a symbol, a symbol that sends a message to the entire world that humanity shall stick together. We all have different backgrounds, cultures, ideas, and experiences, but how shall that divide us. We did not choose to grow up in a rich family or a poor family, but we can choose to be a community member and be there for one another. 

Respect, as stated in the Golden Rule is essential in building a more connected community. Treating others how we want to be treated, and being there for one another. Sometimes, civilizations throughout history forgets that core value, leaving scars in history to which we must acknowledge that they existed, and speaking up for the speechless. 

In the past years, I've seen a divided country and a divided world, with one side blaming the other. Sometimes I question, how all this started, and how can we promote more unity? Maybe it not the right question, but the outcome shall be unity and respect. Disputing problems, without violence, and finding the common ground, and giving a voice to the minority. We must look foward into the future and learn from the past,  afterall, we cannot erase the past, but make an impact today and later on tommorrow. 

As Christmas is approching, I would like to state how we were strong throughout the year, as red symbolizes strength. Humanity has done great progess in not only making innovations, but also finding the sense of unity. 

As I was watching the World Cup, I can see how the world was together watching football. Bringing the sense of unity backed by the cultures represented by their country. And how dedication and having an ambitious dream brings success. But I also seen the advocacy for the injustice seen throughout the preparation in Qatar, and how we want to have a world with accountability. United as a global community. 

Lastly, I would like to share how I hope in ending this year strong and looking foward for the new one, represented as blue. The blue in hope, gives us the confidence in moving on, while remembering our experiences, either they were good or bad. 

I can still recall when I graduated from high school and how I looked forward in starting a new life 1200 miles away from home. At first I was a bit scared about moving on, but soon I realized that there should be nothing to worry about, and look forward for the opportunities. I remember both good and bad experiences from high school, and took them as lesson. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays my friends :)

Cheers :)