Hi, ’04s! It was great to see so many of you in June! I hope everyone who came to reunion had a wonderful walk down memory lane and a little fun too! While we may not be able to turn the clock all the way back, it’s always nice to create moments that allow us to step back in time for at least a little bit. With us being in the heart of summer, I’m sure many of us are in the midst of our summer travels or at least gearing up for some. So here’s hoping you can take a moment to celebrate some exciting developments in the lives of our classmates between your summer activities.

I am happy to share that Ashley McCaughan delivered her first child, Sebastian McCaughan Ahmad, on March 16 of this year. He came into this world at a healthy 9 pounds, 13 ounces, and 22 inches long. I understand that Sebastian is an absolute joy, and congratulations, Ashley, on his arrival!

Frederica Helmiere also shared that she has been deeply involved in the psychedelics’ renaissance currently gathering steam. Not only does she direct a psychedelic practitioner training program for The Synthesis Institute, but she also speaks at conferences and on podcasts about this work, including discussing both what it means to educate and train psychedelic guides and the concerns of Indigenous communities and allies about how this sacred medicine is being used outside of those contexts. Well done, Frederica, for the cutting-edge work!

Class of ’04s, I will now let you return to your summer adventures and escapades. I hope you make lots of great memories this season and please send them my way for sharing! Talk to you in the fall and be well.

—Johanna Thomas, 14 Logan Circle, NW, Washington, DC 20005; johannarthomas@gmail.com