To my students

I've been pretty open with you throughout the year about my personal religious beliefs. I've also made it very clear that those are my beliefs, and have been careful to never engage in any kind of prayer or devotional, or in criticizing any religion.

Even though many of you are horrified that I am not a trinitarian Christian, I read the Bible (especially the New Testament) a lot. And as the year ends, I wanted to share one of my favorite Bible verses with you. It is a passage that has always guided the work that I do, and I hope that you will take its message with you into your future as well.

Let no one have contempt for your youth, but set an example for those who believe, in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity. ...Attend to the reading, exhortation and teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have... Be diligent in these matters, be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to everyone. Attend to yourself and your teaching: persevere in both tasks, for by doing so you will save both yourself and those who listen to you. (1 Timothy 4:12-16)

I love you all, and wish you only the best. Please stay in touch.