Legacy

 

Our community recently lost a much-loved news anchor. For 25 years, she kept us informed of news that mattered to us. I listened with great interest at her colleagues' remembrances. They all had stories to tell including special moments that illuminated the kind of newsperson she was. Lists of adjectives emanated from both colleagues and local viewers: professional, hard-working, courageous, consistent, probing, concerned. Personal characteristics emerged as well: caring, human, approachable, easy to relate to, encouraging. I began to see a picture of not just a news personality, but of a well-rounded human being who served well in her career and was also an involved citizen, a loving friend, wife, and mother.

At the risk of sounding macabre, I then began to wonder: What, if I were to pass away right now? What would my colleagues, students, and parents say about me? We daily make choices in our work and our lives that determine the legacy we leave behind. Can we -- should we -- be more deliberate in making those choices so that we can impart things that really speak of who we are, both as educators and people? One quote stayed with me: "She was a terrific journalist because she cared deeply about her work and the people it touched. She had passion and it showed." Substitute the word "educator" for journalist (and "he" for "she"), and that is a remark I would want made about me.

As I gear up for the school year and all the challenges it brings, I am keeping those words in mind. I want to be sure that, as I daily plan and make the choices that affect my work, I am operating from a place of caring about my work and the students, families, and colleagues I touch. I am determined that my passion for learning will show. My hope and intent is that I can be a well-rounded human being, excellent in my chosen career, involved in my community, and humane in my dealings with friends and family. It is sad when someone who has touched our lives passes away, but their legacy to us lives on. How will I let this translate into the legacy I hope to leave? As I approach this school year, I will be mindful of the legacy I want to leave behind.