Today I stood in a room full of kids, discussing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and how he had a dream so big, and so important to him, that he followed his heart to make it happen. We talked about how every single day at school is a chance for kids to build their dreams, and how we all, as educators, want them to work hard so that they can have opportunities in their futures.
As the kids left the room, I realized discussions become forgotten. Words spoken drift in our memories. But, actions? The things we do every single day? That is what sticks.
Day by day, the things we do are inspiring kids, even when we don’t realize it. We are modeling, sharing, and encouraging them through little moments, one at a time.
When we are more, they want to be more.
When we live our dreams, they see that it’s possible to live theirs.
When we make a mistake, they see that overcoming mistakes leads to opportunities.
When we share our passion, they see that it is okay to be exactly who we are.
When kids feel a part of a community that is there to learn together, work together, and grow together, they feel supported.
Our schools are a reflection of us. Of everything we wanted school to be as a child, and everything we know our kids deserve. They are the reason we wake up early and stay up late. It’s not just a job. It’s our dream. Because our dream is to have the kind of school where kids find their dreams.
When you get drawn into paperwork, or data tables, or long staff meetings, take a moment to think about the power of dreams. Your dream to have a better school, so their dreams can happen. That? It’s what it’s all about. The rest is just details.