"Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true,
that even as we grieved, we grew,
that even as we hurt, we hoped,
that even as we tired, we tried,
that we'll forever be tied together, victorious.
Not because we will never again know defeat.
but because we will never again sow division."
Amanda Gorman is the youngest person to read a poem at an inauguration, with "The Hill We Climb" being one of many highly praised poems from this young poet from SoCal. If you haven't heard or read the full poem, you should. Her words remind us that wisdom is not just found in experience, and much can be learned from the young.
Interesting facts about Amanda:
she was raised by a single parent
she was a ""weird" child (her description!)
she had to overcome a speech disorder
But what makes a person so young able to communicate so clearly, with such depth?
In a New York Times article on Amanda, she credited her mom and the way she was raised first. She also mentioned teachers that helped her understand her love of words. There was an elementary teacher who took time to read quality books to her class. Just listening to Dandelion Wine being read by this amazing educator, sparked a admiration for the power of words.
Later, in eighth grade, she was exposed to a book that had a character that looked like her. While she had written stories before, her characters had always been white. After reading this book, she realized that she had a voice that could be unique to her, and represent her experience in the world. She knew she could be a voice that represented her experience, and the experience of others like her.
Another teacher, Dr. Biden, knew of Amanda's abilities and advocated for her performance at the inauguration. While that seems like a simple thing, this action has launched this young lady into the public eye in a way and at a speed which she may not have attained alone. Since speaking, her upcoming books have made it to the best-sellers list on Amazon, she has been offered a modeling contract and invited to recite at the Super Bowl. And she continues to collect Instagram followers!
"For there is always light,
if only we are brave enough to see it
if only we are brave enough to be it."
That final phrase was the one that stuck with me.
Isn't this what we do...what you do... every day?
We look for light...
- a light in the eyes of students as they understand
- a small spark of interest from a student normally not engaged
- a bold and bright personality, that can lead others to greatness when guided
We even look for the wick of the unlit candles, and worry when the fire does not ignite.
We look for light.
Don't forget, you ARE the light, too!
- You light up the classroom with the joy you have for your content and your care for students
- You shine brightly when you keep scaffolding so that ALL students can access the essentials, so that every kid (even the "weird" ones) will be able to grow.
- You illuminate the darkness when you advocate for students, when you see the light, the potential, the value in your students and work with everyone else to protect and grow that seed.
- You set a fire when you allow students to see themselves in the lessons you teach, when you encourage their passions in your subject matter, when you invest your valuable time in them, no matter what.
You are the light.
"For there is always light,
if only we are brave enough to see it
if only we are brave enough to be it."
I know people who are brave enough to see light.
I know people who are brave enough to BE the light.
I know you.
Shine on!
Kim
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