The Gift of Education in a Changed World
As I sat down to pen this, my thoughts meandered back to a blog post I wrote about three years ago. The room was doused in silence, marking the seasonal ritual of ‘back-to-school’. I remember writing about the resilience our children and young adults needed, to navigate the unique challenges posed by that year.
Fast forward to today, and the world around us has changed, arguably in more ways than we could have ever anticipated. We’ve been through a whirlwind, both in terms of global events and personal journeys, and the lessons from the past hold more weight than ever.
Amidst this backdrop, the value and opportunity that education presents shines through brightly. Education isn’t merely a medium to pass on knowledge; in this era, it’s an anchor of normalcy, a beacon of hope, and a bridge to our collective future. Yet, as crucial as it is for our young minds to grasp this opportunity, we need to recognize that the essence of individuality means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Post-COVID, it’s tempting to look for silver linings and project our own experiences and aspirations on our young ones. As students stride into their educational sanctuaries, some may feel invigorated, ready to seize every learning moment, while others might feel overwhelmed, still grappling with the ripples of the pandemic’s aftermath. And that’s okay.
Remembering that people aren’t forged from a single mould, we, as adults, educators, and guardians, need to resist the urge to expect one single response to schooling. Every student will carry their unique narrative. Some might find solace in the confines of the classroom; others might discover their passions beyond textbooks.
Empathy is our ally in these times. While resilience was the theme echoed three years ago, today, let’s champion understanding and flexibility. In fostering an environment where our youth can embrace education, in all its hues, we’re not just building a brighter future, but we’re also honouring the individual journeys that make our collective tapestry so rich and vibrant.
Here’s to a school year filled with opportunities, understanding, and the celebration of diverse paths to success!
To create a nation of leaders, we need to show students from an early stage what it takes to be a leader. LIFT Ireland’s leadership learning process is based on eight key leadership values. LIFT’s leadership learning process provides students with the foundation to become leaders in their own lives. Students that have taken part in LIFT have improved their listening skills, increased confidence and become more emphatic, understanding and positive.
