It was an unexpected opportunity to learn.

Earlier in the week I was asked to present some grant awards on behalf of a local educational foundation I do some work with. The foundation awards these grants to meet specific teacher requests which typically fall outside the funding parameters of limited school budgets.

My presentation was to a group of extremely important people. I found myself standing in front of the teachers of the school my daughters attended many years ago. Many of these teachers played such a vital role in the transformation of my young elementary school daughters into the strong, confident, and empowered young women they are today. And I know my daughters weren’t the only kiddos to be impacted so profoundly by those who were sitting in front of me.

It was an honor to stand before them.

As I scanned the room I remembered defining moments of impact many of these teachers had upon my girls, teachers some of whom have become friends over the years, no longer the need for the in-school formality of Mrs or Ms, now comfortably known as Kelly, Lisa, Paula, and Jen. I recalled their individual and collective level of commitment, compassion, patience, and encouragement in creating an emotionally safe space for my daughters to begin growing into who they would become. 

It was a humbling experience for me, to stare into their eyes of impact, those who showed up consistently and passionately helping to shape the futures of all the children in their care, loving all as if their own. They are teachers, yes. But they are also builders, building a strong foundation of a positive sense of self in these young students which will impact the trajectory of their lives.

I walked in to distribute grant awards but walked out reminded of the power we all have to positively impact those around us. With our words. With our presence. By proactively showing up and creating safe spaces for those around us to be unconditionally seen, heard, encouraged, and supported.

In the adult world it is often difficult to find that safe space where we can be unconditionally seen, heard, encouraged, or supported.

So, let us build this space for others.

Let us build this space for ourselves.

Builders, we all are.

These teachers who inspired my young children continue to inspire me.

Sometimes it’s a parent who receive the lesson.

Photo by Fares Hamouche on Unsplash

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