“Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you.”
—T.A. Barron
I often start my newsletter remarks with a quote, and sometimes it actually takes longer to find the right quote than it does to write my portion of the newsletter. Why? Because finding that right quote is what sets the tone and inspires me on how to craft a particular message or share a relevant story. My newsletter openings are special to me, because they are a reflection of my world — an integrated mix of my Ford NGL experience and my personal life. To be honest, I am not even sure anymore where one starts and the other ends. My life, my love, my passions are intertwined in both. It is not just the work (which I am so proud of and feel so much passion for) it is also the friendships that have been built through this vital work. And when I say friendships, that is not limited to relationships with my staff colleagues. It is just as much about the valued relationships developed with all of you through our collaboration, our collective hard work, and our commitment to young people. It is the result of the many days and nights we have toiled together to build something that is truly transformational — something that unites us through shared values and goals.
2024 was exceptional and rewarding in many ways, but for some of us it has also taken a bit of a personal toll. Several Ford NGL team members experienced loss of loved ones or faced family or personal health issues. What I saw and felt coming out of those situations was a team that went out of their way to stand by and lift up those experiencing pain, worry, or uncertainty. Sometimes it was a card, a text, or a phone call that made a difference. Other times it was taking on another’s work responsibilities to temporarily lighten the load, or maybe it was something as simple as a big, wraparound hug. I want to be clear, this outpouring of concern for others was not just the Ford NGL staff taking care of each other but also the incredible people and partners throughout our communities who supported us. You know who you are, and YOU are the “snow crystals” that matter, that add your unique beauty and dimension to this world.
What does that mean exactly? Each of us may describe how it matters a bit differently. To me, it means that we are connected beyond the work itself — that we are united in ways that make our mission so much more meaningful. To know that you are working with and for people who truly care, who are authentic and thoughtful, is an aspect of success one might not expect in a traditional work setting. But, as I have always said, the Ford NGL Network and its individual members are far from traditional in how we think, plan, implement, and collaborate. The one tradition we do have, however, is of treating each other with respect and care. As for me, I can’t help but see all of you as members of my extended family. To put that into context, let me share a few recent examples of why I feel the way I do.
In December I attended ACTE VISION 2024 in San Antonio. There, while walking through the halls of that huge convention center (that can make one feel very small in the scheme of things) smiles and hugs were exchanged and conversations took place which were meaningful and heartfelt both on a business and a personal level. There was a real sense of connectedness that is empowering and inspiring. We don’t just feel this connectedness within the Ford NGL organization, but I know many of our district and community partners feel it as well. Through our learning circles, we bring members of the Ford NGL Network together regularly to learn from each other and support one another. We have collectively built something truly special, and I thank each of you for making that possible. The same was true this year at the end of our Leadership Council and Superintendent Council. We heard feedback that our time together is precious in many ways. Attendees shared that they love the time to reconnect, the support they feel, and the opportunity to welcome new people into the network family.
As we reflect on 2024 and look forward to this new year, it is important to recognize that not all people experience the benefits of an incredible, caring network like ours. There are still many of our students and colleagues who don’t have the kind of personal support in their lives that you and I benefit from. That is where we can truly make a difference, and I believe most of us do. Let’s also keep in mind that the past year has been one of incredible national and international political debate which often resulted in disagreements (and sometimes separation) between friends and among family members. It is my hope that we can somehow find ways to get beyond all of that and figure out how to better listen, learn, and move forward constructively.
Certainly, we all have things that we worry about or fear. While I may not always agree with another’s point of view, perhaps I can better understand why they feel as they do, mitigate some of those fears, and rebuild strained relationships. I believe the best way to reduce our divides is to appreciate where people are coming from without the noise of the media — just a one-on-one discussion about why someone feels the way they do. For example, a few weeks ago, I laid down my agenda on politics and left them outside the door of a friend’s house. When I entered the home, what followed was an incredible discussion. I learned their pain and fears are much different than mine. Over the course of that talk (and a refreshing beverage or two) we both found an impetus to have similar, more thoughtful conversations with others. It calmed our souls to learn and acknowledge each other’s “why” and allowed us to unpack and appreciate our individual perspectives.
I apologize for these longer-than-usual opening remarks, but as I reflect on 2024, I know my heart, and the hearts of others in our communities, have experienced some difficult times. Some have felt incredible pain, fear, or longing for meaningful connection. If we see an opportunity to bring a smile, a word of encouragement, or alleviate a bit of someone’s loneliness during this season, I hope we will all act to do so. Sometimes it is the little things that can make the greatest difference. I know it does for me. We all just want to know that someone is thinking about us, appreciates our relationship, and values us enough to check in.
Members of the Ford NGL team have been uplifted by so many of you this past year. For that, I am not only incredibly grateful for your thoughtfulness and personal support but also for your steadfast commitment to educational transformation and to dramatically improving the learning and lives of young people. So, with that in mind, I leave you with another quote! As we move into 2025, let’s make sure our support and the window of opportunity is available to all we care for, serve, and love.
May your walks know joy, may every room hold laughter, and every window open to great possibility.
—Mary Anne Radmacher
