Live from Center City

While on a run a few weeks ago, I saw a massive Christmas tree on a flatbed outside the Art Museum. It was a golden opportunity. I approached the driver, who was out of the truck securing the tree. I asked him where the tree was from, how big it is, and what his name was. The tree was from Yule Tree Farms in the Finger Lakes, was 47 feet tall, and the driver’s name was Tom. The tree would be set up by City Hall.

I had planned on telling this story to my biology students today as an introduction to ecology. But today was also the Philly Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, and Channel 6ABC Live Steamed the tree the whole day. So at the beginning of class I asked if anybody lived near Center City. One student was a 15 minute walk from the tree.

I asked if he wanted to logoff Zoom, walk to the tree, and wave to the live streaming camera. I offered extra credit. After some encouragement from his classmates, he obliged.

25 minutes later, I shared my screen to the live action shot of the tree. There was my student, waving to all-virtual his classmates through a different camera. We were all filled with joy. Up close and personal, he said the tree was, “bigger than he thought it would be.” It was a magical moment, one for the ages.

In the throes of this tumultuous year, there is still hope. There is still joy. Just keep being curious and keep asking, “What if?”