HOPE AND STRENGTH

 I was sitting in on our Marketing class this week and the class was having an intriguing discussion with their teacher, Mr. Honig, on the marketing strategies behind some of this year's Super Bowl commercials. One commercial that was being discussed was a Toyota commercial that depicted a young girl who was adopted that unfortunately was born with a condition that required her legs to be amputated (below). However, through the commercial you saw her become an accomplished swimmer, in fact at 13x Paralympic champion. I remember seeing it the night of the Super Bowl and getting goose bumps. I got that same feeling again watching it in Mr. Honig's class. The ending of the commercial says "We believe there is hope and strength in all of us."

February is always a tough time of year. It's the post holiday lull, the cold of winter, snow on snow on snow, long stretches without a break, the newness of the school year is in the past and oh yeah...we are still dealing with a pandemic. The weight that is being carried by many, (staff, students and parents), is certainly being felt. However, as I watched this commercial, I couldn't help but think I'm pretty lucky. First, I was getting to experience a really cool lesson and discussion with a teacher and his students in the middle of what has been an unbelievably difficult year for teachers and students. Secondly, I was reminded that I am reaching another milestone of 11 years of beating cancer in a few weeks. While I can't compare myself to the young lady in the commercial, if I had to wear a mask at work 11 years ago, I can do it now. Lastly, I have watched students and staff be my hope and strength for the past 11 months.  You have not given up.  You have not given in.  You have persevered through whatever obstacles have come in your way.  Education right now is a herculean effort on everyone's part. There are many days where it feels like we are swimming against the tide and it isn't easy. However, there are always different ways to look at things.  We are lucky that we still have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of students.   ​ If we continue to believe in each other, pick each other up and watch out for each other, I have no doubt that we will be stronger for it. It isn't easy, but when this over, what we accomplished together will be much like Jessica Long's story in the commercial......AMAZING. There is hope and strength in all of us.  #pantherstrong

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