“There are too many strangers in the room.”

They didn’t really believe me. I could see it in their eyes. And why would they? After all, with the exception of a friend or two and a few familiar faces, they were among strangers, even I was a stranger, who was standing in front of them telling them we would become–claiming that we were–a community as I shared their second most important role (see below) a the outset of our journey.

Role #2: Valued Community Member. This is your second most important role. At present, many of us are not well-acquainted, but we are in this together either way. And as we will spend a lot of time together both struggling and celebrating over the days to come, my hope is that we establish a community that is rich in relationships and in excess of empathy. We are a community.

That was over ninety days ago. Things have changed at semester with the shuffling of schedules, and change is hard. Change is strange. The kids told me so. “I miss our old class.” “There are too many strangers in the room.” “I am nervous again about sharing during Smiles and Frowns; I don’t know these people.”

“But you will,” I tell them, reminding them that they had the same worries all those days ago when we first started our time together. “You–we–will build new bonds and create new connections. We will become a community again. We are a community.“

And they believe me. I can see it in their eyes. And why wouldn’t they? I delivered on my promise then, and I believe they trust that I will deliver on my promise now. Of course, I couldn’t do it without Smiles and Frowns. So, maybe, then, it’s not so much they trust me as much as they trust Smiles and Frowns, as much as they trust themselves, for it is they not I who’ve really created the connections. I am just along for the ride. And what a ride it’s been.

Today’s Trail

Along today’s trail we will experience…

…connecting through Smiles and Frowns.

…growing with grammar.

…seeking to understand others’ views with SOAPSTone.

…hearing a Sappy Sy Rhyme.

Happy Thursday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.