Say you are sitting in Starbucks and you see a woman with a stroller who is struggling to open the door.
You have a choice. Either return to your issue of Glamour newspaper while using your stealth peripheral vision to see who goes to help the woman or you go and hold the door open for the woman.
Say you decide to help the woman. Your morals, your belief in how to behave in any situation, requires you to act. She will say thank you, you will reply with “Oh, it’s no problem!” but inside you are secretly full of glee at having a captive audience of Starbucks drinkers notice your good deed. Coupled with an audience watching your moment of kindness is the inside standing ovation your heart gives itself when acting on your morals aligns with doing something that you know is kind.
Now pretend that the door was 20 pounds heavier. Or that opening it meant someone would be guaranteed your seat the second you left it. Or that before you could open the door, you had to fill out 3 forms and get consent from your boss. Or that you would be required to pay in order to open the door. Would you still do it? Would you hesitate? How far do your morals stretch?
This past week has been a defining week for me. In my passport of Life on the page titled “Discovered What’s Worth Fighting For”, I have gained a new stamp. I’ve traveled somewhere I’ve never been- truly fighting for something that I believe in and is worth risking my job and at times, the friendship of co-workers. I have sent dozens of emails, had countless meetings and have received more than one warning about “rocking the boat”.
But with every angry administrator, every co-worker who calls me naive, every hot tear I’ve shed after leaving another office after being told ‘no‘ yet again- I’ve found a community willing to help pay for students in my class to participate in a field trip that they can’t afford. I’ve received funds to use from both strangers and friends, but even more importantly- I’ve gained a greater insight into how kind people can be when given a chance. I’ve had co-workers walk up and give me $20 in the hallway and have received emails and donations from people all over the world just looking for an opportunity to align their morals with an act bigger than themselves.
So this is a thank you. For those who have spent the last week having to read each tweet regarding ski trips and frustration and tears and didn’t delete my ass. Who reminded me that my morals, my belief that school is a place for ALL students to experience amazing opportunities, regardless of financial status or personal background. And that when your morals leave you feeling alone, it’s always better to push forward towards those who are willing to support you rather than take a step back and give up on yourself and those you are fighting for.
I’m going to keep pushing forward, against what “has always been done” and what “everyone” wants. I’m going to keep pushing against the current of mediocrity and convenience. Rather than feeling exhausted, I feel like this is only just one of many battles I will wage and I’m prepared. As Malcom Muggeridge said “Only dead fish swim with the stream.”
My school cancelled the swimming lessons we usually take every May because they didn’t want to pay for the school bus transportation to and from the pool. I’ve decided we are going to go anyway.
I will keep you posted.
GOD YOU ARE THE BEST TEACHER EVERRRRRR.
YOU GO GIRL! 1st – i love the moral question in the beginning… and likely will continue that thought in a future post. (I’ll give you credit, don’t worry.) 2nd- good for you for not taking no for an answer. Your students are really lucky to have someone who cares so much and who is such a positive mentor in their life. Everybody, student or adult needs an advocate on their side. Good luck breaking these “no’s” into yes’s because that is how you make a difference in someones life.
Thank you for standing up to these bullies!
I hate that they keep cutting things — be careful, I feel like they might start cutting just because they know you will pick up the slack.
Also, after I graduate, I aspire to be as awesome as you. Because you are, in fact, quite awesome.
It’s good that there are people like you in the world – I only wish we had more. :-)
You are amazing.
Your students are the luckiest. There are not enough teachers like you. Amen.
xoxo
I’ve read your numerous tweets on the subject. Must admit that I admire your determination.
You go girl. This is amazing, and you are amazing.
Go you, lady. You’re a rock star :)
I know I have told you this many many times but you are one amazing woman. I think your students are extremely lucky, and I love that you are doing what your morals tell you instead of just going with the regular.
Hurrah for you! You’re an amazing teacher, as well as an inspiring human being. :)
Amazing. You are the teacher that kids tell stories about 20 years later, when someone asks who inspired them the most growing up. If and when I ever have kids, I hope they’re as lucky.
I wish more of our teachers were like you when I was in elementary school and ALL OF THE THINGS got cancelled. What you’re doing is amazing!
You are amazing. I was one of those super poor kids in grade school who could never afford to do anything because there wasn’t a single place in our town that would hire my single mother. So THANK YOU, people like you make a difference, a huge one.
Please let me know how I can help. I want to give you money for this endeavor, as it’s an amazing one.
you seriously are one kick ass teacher.
You are so amazing and your students are so so so very lucky to have a teacher like you. They may not truly realize it until later in life, but know that the impact you are making is beyond immeasurable.
I send you all the strength and courage in my life in support of you and your students. You will all be swimming in May – I just know it!
You are an inspiration. I pray your students will inherit your selflessness and determination, and with that, make the world a better place as you do.
You are truly my hero.
You are my hero!!! Wow, such determination and devotion!
Good for you! Just because there is resistance doesn’t mean you are wrong. Stick to your morals and keep fighting.
I was a teacher for 10 years and saw so many burned out, tired of fighting the good fight teachers. I pray you hold on to your desire to rise above the mediocre masses and prove that there ARE excellent teachers out there who care. Thank you for sticking to your guns and proving that the kids are worth it.