29 Comments
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Terri Lonier's avatar

What you may never know, Matt, is the impact you’ve had on countless lives, including mine. Thanks for your leadership and generosity of spirit. 🙏

We all look forward to what comes next for you. I suspect it’s going to be something quite remarkable.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Terri -- that means a lot coming from someone as accomplished as you. I've appreciated your support and hard work for Write of Passage all along!

Rick Lewis's avatar

Matt, you've been a bedrock of presence for me and so many others in Write of Passage. I'm grateful for your modeling of this. "But the most important skill I learned was to shove fear out of the driver’s seat, so I could do those things, and more." I'm also so curious to see where amazing staff members like you will land, what will come next, what projects and companies you will all transform with your presence, skills, and heart. I'll be there for the final hurrah, and celebrating that it all happened. Thank you for your service.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thanks Rick. You've brought so much spirit and insight to Write of Passage! So glad you'll be back this fall.

Nate Kadlac's avatar

What a ride. WoP's impact is immeasurable and brought smart, thoughtful people like you into my life when I needed it most. Would be great to catch up soon!

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Yes we must do this! It's been far too long.

Drake Greene's avatar

I think of you as the "adult in the room" in the Substack community and I am so pleased to have known your guidance and steady hand at the tiller.

And there is much more to be written on the subject of whether we are Floridians or Northerners.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thanks Drake — I really respect you and your writing ability. This means a lot.

Camilo Moreno-Salamanca's avatar

Matt, you've been such a pivotal part of Write of Passage. Hard to think someone better to have done the great job you have. I love this reflection. The temporal nature of things can be often forgotten in the thick of the experience, but alas, nothing lasts forever.

I know you are going to sprint to the finish line rucking 50lbs. and make the journey memorable for all of us.

Also, can't wait to see what's next in your life!

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thanks my friend. No one has more heart for the student experience at Write of Passage than you!

I don't know about the rucking though, lol

Michelle Varghese's avatar

Truly grateful for all your support during my time as a student and more importantly as a crew member! I always felt like I could handle any new role you asked me to step into because of your support and dedication to WOP. I know this final cohort will be one for the books. Thank you for this reflection and all you’ve done for us!

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Michelle. You’ve brought so much to Write of Passage, in every role imaginable. Hope to have you along for this last trip!

Kevin Brennan's avatar

Matt, thanks for all your work for us. See you in Cohort 13. Kevin (WOP6++)

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Kevin! So glad you’ll be back with us for one more ride.

Bing's avatar

I am never religious. But, this essay is quite poignant. Thanks for sharing!

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you for reading it! Much appreciated.

Eric Ho's avatar

No the Bible or the radio, but this is your quote that stood out for me: “But the most important skill I learned was to shove fear out of the driver’s seat, so I could do those things, and more.”

Thank you for sitting yourself in the driver’s seat, and playing big. You’ve brought a spirit of indefatigability to Write of Passage, and to the many cohorts I’ve joined. So grateful!

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Eric — “spirit of indefatigability” — I love that! 🙏

Matt Cyr's avatar

Tremendous post. Keep bringing it and doing what you do. Inspiring. Fired up for cohort 13.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thanks Matt! Fired up to have you along for C13.

Chris Anselmo's avatar

Matt, thank you for everything you've done with Write of Passage. It's changed many lives! I remember you answering one of my emails when I was still on the fence about enrolling. Your kindness meant a lot and ultimately gave me the push to sign up.

Wishing you the best on what comes next.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Chris for those kind words.

Jeff Giesea's avatar

You are awesome Matt. Here for you as needed.

Matt Tillotson's avatar

Thank you Jeff! Hope you'll back with us for one more run.

Justin's avatar

"Deep Blue Nothing" 😅

Love that song