Investing in Students, Part 2
Recently, I wrote in this space about the many ways individuals and organizations invest in students/education. At that time, I focused on the upcoming elections and the responsibility we all have to educate ourselves on the varied candidates and issues seeking our support. At that time, and again with this message, I stressed that my message was educational–not political. I share this again because I have witnessed that most of the important decisions, especially those which impact the education of our children and the humanity of our nation as a whole, are being made simply by “those who show up.” What do I mean by “show up?” Consider those who take the time to respond to surveys and opinion polls. Or those who participate in committees whose work determines a myriad of things–from community events to the curriculum taught in our schools. Then, observe the variety of issues we are asked to vote on during elections. It appears that those who show up are the ones determining our direction.
If that is indeed our reality, it is incumbent upon all citizens to draw from the skills taught to us by our parents, teachers, role models–seek the truth; do your research; don’t settle, and a new one–not everything you read on the internet is true. Those who choose a role in public leadership–whether as an elected official or school district superintendent–accept that we will be questioned, doubted, second-guessed and misunderstood. I can’t speak for anyone but myself when I offer that I rarely trust only my own opinion when facing a difficult decision pertaining to the education of our students. I seek the expertise and confidence of many individuals who are investing, as am I, in the lives and learning of young people. Included, as well, are their hopes and dreams.
A friend shared with me recently a quote from the speech popularly known as “The Man in the Arena.” It was delivered in 1910 by President Theodore Roosevelt, “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” There are many, many more words and worthy quotes within TR’s speech that spoke to me. I hope that you, too, will Google it.
Using it as a guide, I suggest that we show up for one another in ways that allow us to celebrate victories, support each other when we err or feel defeated, and most of all dare to keep showing up–no matter how hard that becomes. The children in this community deserve that simple investment in their todays and tomorrows.
