I was in a nostalgia moment recently.  (This happens as we age....  ;-)

 

I took the opportunity to review old Donna’s Dispatch columns and analyze their relevance to current community conditions. What follows below is an adaptation of a column from five years ago.  The subject is more important than ever.

 

Let’s talk about young people and their need for role models and heroes.

 

The hero is not an isolated, charismatic, or superhuman individual who hands down miraculous answers from on high.  Instead, this is a person who might say:  “Come with me.  We can do this together.”  He/she could be someone who, by virtue of being a little farther down the road, can look back and say: “I’ve been there, and it’s not so bad around the bend.  Don’t worry.  I know it feels pretty dark right here.  But it gets light up ahead.”*

 

Our children in our community and today’s society are in desperate need of heroes that…

Demonstrate moral character

Exhibit kindness and compassion

Display civic responsibility and courtesy

Model complex problem solving

Reflect extraordinary effort and initiative

Make their communities a better place

 

The good news is that this community does have adult heroes that can serve as models for these characteristics.  The bad news is that this society frequently does not celebrate these individuals.  (Study pay structures and media attention!)

 

Do you know someone that should be interviewed by our young people?  They need to hear stories that are from positive productive lives.  They need to write biographies and see up close gallant efforts.  Who will be the light for these children?  Who will guide the way?  Email us with recommendations of “heroes” for student interviews at dbernard@coventryct.org.

 

As always, I appreciate your support of our young people.

 

Donna

 

* Adapted and excerpted from The Hero’s Journey:  How Educators Can Transform Schools and Improve Learning, By:  John L. Brown and Cerylle A. Moffett.