29 Comments

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.

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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!

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Aug 22Liked by Matt Tillotson

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.

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

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Aug 22Liked by Matt Tillotson

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!

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

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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.

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

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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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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Aug 26Liked by Matt Tillotson

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

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

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Aug 25Liked by Matt Tillotson

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

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Thank you for reading it! Much appreciated.

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Aug 24Liked by Matt Tillotson

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!

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

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What a ride, man!

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What a ride indeed :)

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Aug 23Liked by Matt Tillotson

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

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

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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.

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Thank you Chris for those kind words.

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Aug 22Liked by Matt Tillotson

You are awesome Matt. Here for you as needed.

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

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Aug 22Liked by Matt Tillotson

🙌🙌

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High fives right back atcha

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"Deep Blue Nothing" 😅

Love that song

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