Loving Others Through Transitions – A Message from Dr. Kishimoto

Life is full of transitions. Sometimes we are so ready for them and sometimes we are overwhelmed by the changes they will bring. Some changes come from our own instigation and others are thrust upon us. As we begin another school year, parents and their children come to our schools ready and hopeful for the unknown year ahead. Some of them are excited for a new school year, and some are overwhelmed by what the school year represents – a child’s first time away from parents as they attend kindergarten, a young person’s first experience with changing classes in a secondary school environment, enrollment in a new school as young people feel their way through awkward social experiences wondering secretly if anyone will like them, talk to them, or even notice them. No matter what the change though, parents bring to us their most precious gifts – their children – and want them to be treated with love and kindness. The question for us is how we intentionally and courageously love upon our students and one another through these transitions.?

It is too easy after years in education, to focus on settling into a new routine, getting to learning the next level curriculum, and doing school. While absolutely important, this is also a good time to teach children about transitions, the need for changes and advancements, and the responsibility we each hold to one another’s belonging during these moments of change.?

Our young people are going through these moments of “growing up” during a time period of great changes in our nation. On August 22nd, they observed adults around them react to the historic nomination of a woman of color to the Presidential ticket. They heard the mixed reactions of family members, neighbors, news agencies, and the other adults in their lives as this country’s discourse about leadership turned to gendered and racial nuances. As the next generation of voters, they listened and internalized messages about democracy, representation, and voice. Make note! They are internalizing messages full of contradictions about who holds power, access, and worth in leadership and in our society. This is an incredible teaching opportunity!?

From how we revisit the civil rights of those still disempowered today, to the belonging of our neighbors who are different from us, to who holds the power to define the principles of democracy, the issues are complex and significant. Our young people are not only listening to how we talk about these matters, they are also watching how we care for one another through these political and societal transitions.?

My mother believed that to everything there is a season, and our focus should be on the open doors that present new responsibilities and opportunities. As I watched and listened to Vice President Harris accept the nomination for President of the United States, and heard her embed the guiding words of her mother, I was struck by the overarching message that she and her sister were treated like a special gift by her mother. Her mother sent her girls, her most precious gift, to school every year expecting goodness and success. I couldn’t help but wonder about all the adults who passed through their lives in their schooling experience, that shaped the woman now speaking to us, potentially our next Commander in Chief. It was more than just a historic moment. It was a moment that felt to me like a moment of love.

There is nothing more precious than the reciprocal love we give and receive. As we begin this new school year, I encourage you to listen more deeply to this generation of students and refocus your priorities on embracing, including, and loving each and every child and young person for who they are. Show them that you see them, hear them, respect them, and love them, and that you will walk with them as they experience life-shaping transitions.?