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With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I was inspired to reach out to staff and students to learn more about what they’re grateful for. They came back with all sorts of answers, from heartfelt to funny.
Our Lower Lake High School principal cracked me up with this one: “I’m thankful to be 5’9” above ground instead of 6’ under.”
Our newest principal shared: “I am grateful for working at Lower Lake Elementary, where staff, students and families have been so welcoming and supportive. We have such an amazing school community!”
And this from our Child Development Pathway instructor: “I am fortunate to have the opportunity to engage and interact with the most incredible students. Since I teach a three-year pathway, I am uniquely blessed with having students for multiple years (possibly all four high school years if a student chooses a fourth-year elective). These students CHOOSE to learn about children and enjoy being given the opportunity to have hands-on interaction with young children. These students are bonding with the younger generation and serving as role models while they are enhancing their skills. I observe my students both in elementary settings as well as in their high school classroom, and these high schoolers amaze me. I always preach to them to be the change they want to see in the world. They have spent multiple years growing together and have created among themselves a small little school family. They support and encourage each other. They have created a safe place for themselves to be free of stereotypes, labels and simply be recognized for who they are. THEY are the next generation of child care providers, school employees and parents. It is true that I am their teacher, but I am thankful for what THEY teach me every day.”
From a high school sophomore: “I am thankful for my mom, family, and my friends for being there during my hard times. Lastly, I am thankful for my church family and my relationship with God."
From a high school junior: “I'm thankful for my friends and family because they show me new things everyday and always make me smile.”
It’s amazing how many things we can find to be grateful for when we focus our attention on the good things in life. And this practice can lead to profound positive changes in mood, resilience, and overall wellbeing, according to researchers who explore the neurological underpinnings of gratitude (Russell & Fosha, 2008).
Take time to express your gratitude
Feeling gratitude is great. Expressing it can benefit you and the person you share it with. Here at Konocti Unified School District, we work with Blue Zones Project to create an environment that promotes well-being, and during the month of November, we are sharing “turkey cards,” notes among co-workers to share why we appreciate each other.
I love this because you never know when someone really needs to hear a few words of encouragement. Just recently, I was having a bad day (actually, a bad week), when out of the blue, a colleague I respect and admire sent me an email telling me she thought I was “courageous” and that my work made a real difference. Her note helped bring me back to myself and let go of others’ negativity.
Expressing gratitude when you feel it is important, too, because you never know what the future holds. I lost one of my dearest friends to pancreatic cancer, but I know she knew how much I loved and appreciated her. We made time for each other through the years. Even though our families no longer lived near one another, we still saw each other every year–and our families will continue to make time for each other. Making time for those you love is another way to express gratitude. I treasure all the memories of our time together.
Grateful to be in education
I also treasure my many years in education.
When I ask people who their favorite teacher was, they can immediately picture a specific person who made a difference in their lives, someone who helped them become the person they are today. Who was your favorite teacher? What did they do for you? I’m hoping this brings a smile to your face.
Whenever I want to lift my spirits, I know I can simply walk onto one of our school campuses and be reminded of the wonderful work being done there. Our teachers, counselors, coaches, administrators, and other staff encourage students to explore their interests, build new skills, and pursue their passions.
We have the privilege and responsibility to launch students into their futures. Every day, I am so grateful for my career in education and for all the people who dedicate their lives to helping young people grow into their potential.