“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” – B.B. King
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year. It’s hard to believe summer is coming to an end, especially for those of us in the northern hemisphere.
I recently had a conversation with a friend about what we learned over the summer. Our discussion took many turns, revealing numerous discoveries on both sides.
For her, it was mastering project management for a personal project that was very meaningful, and finding resources to develop a system that worked for her. For me, it was about accepting things beyond my control, echoing the words of my late brother: “It is what it is.” I also learned how to care for my rose bushes to keep them blooming, how to water my tomatoes to prevent splitting, and how to enhance my strategic planning skills. I found this knowledge through the internet, training sessions, and conversations with friends.
What did you learn over the summer? Take a moment to reflect, and you might find a list of new insights. As B.B. King suggested, this knowledge will stay with you forever.
The key takeaway is that we are constantly learning and growing, which often brings great joy and satisfaction. For me, I’m proud of my flourishing garden and excited about new approaches for my next strategic planning project.
As educators, you have a unique and vital role in helping young people discover joy and purpose in learning. Though recognition may be rare, I hope you find intrinsic value in the difference you make in your students’ lives—whether big or small. Sometimes the smallest impact can be the most significant. You may not always see the results, but know that you do make a difference to every student you encounter.
Thank you for your passion, commitment, and dedication to education. Welcome back to school!
