Doing “Good”
Twice last week, we took the opportunity to celebrate the efforts and sacrifices of student athletes and musicians. You see, in both cases, these students had qualified for something that few of their peers had done—to compete with the best of the best in the state. In both instances, our community gathered to do something unique. Something that not a lot of other districts do and something I feel sets us apart from the districts that surround us—we celebrate not the result. We celebrate the effort.
As I viewed the photos posted on social media of the “send-offs,” it got me thinking. And, that thinking sent me to do a little more research for this column. I found a quote I’d like to share. It’s from Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, and reads, “A successful competition for me is always going out there and putting 100 percent into whatever I’m doing. It’s not always winning. People, I think, mistake that it’s just winning. Sometimes it could be, but for me, it’s hitting the best sets I can, gaining confidence, and having a good time and having fun.” Reading those words, I thought—wow! Here is a world class athlete, someone who has won more than 30 Olympic and World medals reminding us that it really isn’t about winning. It’s about putting in the work so you can win. It’s about showing-up when you’re given the opportunity to compete. It’s about learning, and growing, and most of all, enjoying the effort.
One of the best parts of my role as superintendent is the opportunities it affords me to watch our teachers, coaches, advisors and mentors as they nurture our students. This nurturing involves setting goals. Sometimes, the result of their efforts is success; sometimes the result is not. In both instances, we must find our better angels. When we succeed, regardless of the scope of the competition, our celebration should be tempered with the knowledge that others’ hard work and dreams were dashed. There are rarely winners without losers. To not acknowledge the importance of both the highs and lows of competition is a lost opportunity for a “teachable moment.” Celebration is a good thing, but re member even the NFL directs refs to throw a flag on excessive celebration.
My takeaway from the Simone Biles quote is to remember that our number one competition is ourselves. The choices that we make to prepare (or not) for success in academics, athletics, the performing arts, at work and in service to others belong to each of us. Sure, there are many who will help along the way, but the best way to “do good,” is to first “be” good. Put in the work, make the effort, respect the goal. Perhaps a bit cliche, or maybe not.
Either way, the events of last week were a great reminder of the people and things that make this district a terrific place to learn and work.
