If you had told me in May 1998 that I would end up moving to Rome, Georgia, and serving on the Darlington Alumni Council, I would have thought you were crazy. Hi, I’m Kim Parnell, and I’d love to share my journey as an alum with you.
A Delayed Reunion
Here’s a true story: I didn’t attend any of my class reunions until the 20-year mark. I had the same worries that might be familiar to you: wondering if I still fit in with my classmates, if we had enough in common, or if I had achieved enough to contribute to the conversation. Not to mention, I hadn’t donated to Darlington since graduation. (Don’t worry, I’ve made up for that!)
When I finally showed up for the 20-year reunion, none of those concerns mattered. The reunions were an opportunity to reconnect and reminisce. I met up with people I hadn’t seen since graduation day in May 1998, and it was as though no time had passed. If you’re worried about not fitting in, struggling with small talk, or feeling disconnected from your class, let me reassure you: you will find your place. Trust me, you will.
Volunteering with Darlington
Fast forward to moving to Rome, Georgia, and my desire to give back led me to volunteer with Darlington. It became clear to me how much Darlington had impacted my life. The friendships, the foundation, and the campus itself had all played a significant role in shaping who I am today. In fact, a fellow alumni helped me find my new home, and my closing attorney was also a fellow alumni. Shoutout to Molly (Kelly) Steeves ('98, LD '12) and Jordan Knight ('98)!
I had heard about Leadership Darlington from friends and, admittedly, I misunderstood its purpose. I want to formally apologize to Alumni Relations Director Vicki Vincent at this time. I thought it was just a way for alumni to discuss class donation numbers and figure out ways to get our class numbers up. I was way off. Instead, Leadership Darlington offered an immersive experience that went beyond the superficial. No one asked for donations during those two days. Instead, I had the chance to dive deep into the current challenges facing the school, meet the new head of school, and engage with students who are navigating the same path I once did.
I’m not ashamed to admit that when I graduated from Leadership Darlington, I cried. And I wasn’t alone. Many of us were moved to tears in the Home on the Hill. I had forgotten how incredible Darlington was and how much I missed the connections with those who helped shape my teenage years. I even connected with alumni who graduated more than a decade after me. Lifelong connections were made once again. We even spilled over to dinner in Downtown Rome. It was an incredible two days.
A Call to Action
Consider attending Leadership Darlington. It’s more than a title for your name tag; it’s an experience that will deepen your connection with the school. I dare you to not shed a tear at the graduation ceremony! And if you do attend, know that I’ll be there to cheer you on at graduation. Since I’m local now, I’d be happy to host you—just be prepared for some English Bulldog glitter.
I encourage you to explore ways you can creatively contribute to Darlington. Whether it’s participating in Career Day, recording a podcast, offering marketing skills, or simply reaching out to former classmates to encourage their involvement, every bit helps. Time is one of our greatest resources, and it’s always appreciated.
Life can get hectic, and we’re all busy, but if this post resonated with you, I encourage you to contribute your time and talents. It took me just 20 minutes over my morning coffee to write this, and I know you can make an even greater impact. I now make a small recurring monthly donation to the school, and it is genuinely appreciated. It is equal to the price of a lunch at Schroeder's. No contribution is too small or too large be it money, time or in-kind.
I would love to connect with you!
