In this picture, our server on the cruise ship is helping cut Ben's chicken. This is a great example of someone who took service to the next level by forming a human connection with Ben. |
I work in the field of education, and so every day I get to
see learning happening firsthand.
One of my many roles is that of a change agent. When change happens at our school, whether it
is trying out new teaching techniques or learning a whole new curriculum, it’s my job to help
teachers implement it in their classrooms.
I have learned firsthand that change isn’t easy and that it
takes time.
Change is hard whether we’re teachers who are implementing a new curriculum
or simply adults trying to understand and accept people who act and think differently than we do.
I’ve been called Pollyanna before.
I’ve been called the eternal optimist, because I do believe
that people generally make decisions based on what they believe is the right
thing to do.
However, sometimes things get in the way.
It may be lack of education on a topic.
It may be lack of supports.
It may be fear of change or the unknown.
Whatever barrier prevents this change from occurring, I
believe that open and honest dialogue can help us to move in the right
direction.
I think that most people like to believe that they have an
open mind.
Most people believe that they are tolerant and accepting of
others.
However, the reality is that we still have such a long way
to go in this world towards creating lasting change for those who do not fit
the status quo.
So why is there such a gap between our beliefs (about
tolerance, inclusion, acceptance, diversity….) and the reality of the current
situation?
I believe a big reason for this gap exists in our minds.
We think we understand, so we don’t truly listen.
We think we are accepting, so we don’t look truly see those
who are left marginalized.
We think we want change, until advocating for it becomes
inconvenient or hard or unpopular.
We see the walls in our way- and so rather than think
creatively, we stop trying to problem solve.
And so- where do we begin?
We begin with an open mind.
We begin by truly listening.
We listen to all points of view and weigh what we are hearing against
our current reality.
We listen with the intent to understand- not waiting
impatiently for our turn to speak- not thinking that we know better.
We seek out the experts in the field and listen to
them. We remember that the experts
aren’t necessarily those with the advanced degrees but rather those who have
lived and experienced these matters firsthand.
We humble ourselves to realize that we don’t have all the
answers.
We allow ourselves to be in a position of vulnerability- in
order to learn.
We admit when we need help and seek it in order to grow.
We do these things because we know that when we draw lines
in the sand, we are causing division rather than growth.
We know that there is a time to stand our ground on what we
know is right, but we do this with the understanding that fighting these battles can come at a steep
price.
And so first we invite conversations that will lead to
positive change.
We watch, we learn, and we listen.
Always with an open mind.
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