Last night I had the chance to attend a dinner and hear an inspiring speaker named Mawi Asgedom. He shared his story, from growing up in a refugee camp to graduating from Harvard University. His story and what he shared were good reminders for why we do the work we do.
It is part of our job as leaders to provide students, families and staff hope. We need to inspire them to believe that anything is possible and they can overcome any challenges they may face. With hope, there is possibility. Students need to know that we will NEVER give up on them. We will always be there to push them and to support them. We need to make sure we do this for ALL of our students, especially those who face adversity.
I think we’ve all had an experience where we felt invisible. A time where it seemed that others around didn’t notice us and we didn’t matter. It may have been the time on the playground when a group of kids were playing a game and they didn’t invite you. It may have been the event that people planned and didn’t include you. As leaders we need to make sure we see the students and families that are invisible. We need to notice and value each and every student and family. It is also our role to help our students include and notice those who may be invisible. We need to be inclusive, not exclusive.
The final message is that success is any time I try to grow. As long as we are working at it and trying to improve, we are experiencing success. This is consistent with the concept of a growth mindset that intelligence is not predetermined and can be developed. As adults we need to continue to learn and grow and we need to instill that mindset in our students that as long as they are continuing to grow and make progress, they are experiencing success.
I’m glad I had the chance to hear Mawi speak, it was inspiring and refreshing and encouraging. These are concepts that we need to make happen as educators and leaders!
