by Dr. Gladys I. Cruz
American philosopher William James once said: “The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”
As we prepare to wind down one school year and look ahead to the summer, I want to thank our region’s educators, staff, students, and families for their efforts in navigating the past year together. It was not easy, and we truly appreciate their efforts to ensure the continuity of learning during a pandemic (and to make things as normal as possible for our students).
June is always a bittersweet time for us in education, as we say goodbye to our students and another school year. In our roles as educators and parents, we are indeed doing things that will outlast us. This is the power of our lives and the impact we have – and sometimes we shape others in ways we may never know or fully appreciate. Education is all about providing opportunities and hope for a better future. In the process of our work, we will leave behind memories, qualities, ideas, and other matters that will continue to pay dividends throughout our students or children’s lifetimes.
The class of 2021 and beyond have worked hard over the past year and now it is time to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments. While they may want to lament or dwell on the what ifs or adaptations we had to make this past year, we ask them to instead look at how they grew and navigated through this difficult time. Our students have no doubt learned the power of resiliency, perseverance, and collaboration. These are life lessons that they can use as they continue their educational and life journeys – something they can pass down to their children and grandchildren, just as our ancestors passed down their wisdom and experiences to us.
Graduating high school or moving onto the next grade is the culmination of many hours of hard work and perseverance. For our seniors, they navigated school closure and reopening, social distancing, the wearing of masks, remote learning and much more. This experience has made them stronger and prepared them for dealing with life’s unknowns in the future.
As we look ahead, we do not know what the future holds or what the state will require next school year. However, we are reflecting on the lessons learned and considering ways to better support our students. Throughout the pandemic, we have seen the importance of communications with families, assessing and allocating technology, collaborating with our county departments of health and others, making decisions based on data, seeking ongoing feedback, and being flexible, adaptive, and patient.
We also saw that mental health is indeed a continuum. We need to provide additional support to those who need it, and for children and adults alike to realize, it is ok to ask for help. According to a national poll, nearly half of parents noticed a new or worsening mental health condition in their teenager since the pandemic started. No one has to struggle alone. We will continue to get through this and other challenges together.
To our students, please remember that the act and process of learning does not and should not end in June or with graduation from high school. You need to be curious, lifelong learners and continue to invest in your growth and development. This is important. After all, what you learn is something you can use to help others – spending your life as James stated above, in a way that will outlast you.
On behalf of our region’s school leaders, I congratulate the class of 2021 and wish them the best in their journeys. I also recognize the graduating classes of 2022 through 2033 for their accomplishments and look forward to welcoming them back in the fall.
This column will appear in the Register Star and Daily Mail newspapers.
