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From Kay Esmiol's
"Address to the Teachers of Blagoveschensk: A Message of Hope"
Once again we have celebrated a new year, and 2008 is well underway. Today I am thinking of you—my colleagues in Blagoveschensk—as you work to inspire your students to take advantage of a fresh start. That is one thing that I have always loved about teaching. Students begin the school year with expectations, goals, and dreams as they enter a new grade. Sometimes their hopes are fulfilled through hard work and conscientious attitudes. However, if things do not go as planned, they have a second chance to begin again—in January when the whole world ushers in a new year.
As teachers, you give your students the hope that they can rededicate themselves and be successful. As a matter of fact, you probably do that each and every day. Perhaps that is one of the most important aspects of being an educator—the business of giving hope to the future by preparing students not only for a year but for an entire lifetime. Even though we live in troubled times, I am optimistic because there are dedicated teachers like you everywhere across the globe. Like you, they are engendering hope in children and giving them the academic tools to pursue their dreams. Teachers of every nationality have much in common with one another. We have a mutual love of children and a determination to help young people achieve their potential. We are more alike than different.
I speak to you of these things because each and every day teachers impact the future, even though it may not be obvious at the time. Who knows which of your students will be a part of the great changes that are possible? One of your current students may some day find the cure for cancer. Another may compose great music. Still others may become world leaders and guide mankind toward global peace and understanding. I am sure that Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton’s teachers would never have guessed that the little black boy or that little blonde girl sitting in their classrooms would eventually make history by seeking to become the President of the United States in 2008.
Each of you and your professional colleagues across the world share the same dedication and love for your students. It is a common bond that unites teachers across the world. I felt it the minute I met the teachers of Blagoveschensk in 2002. As I listened to you and as I shared ideas and concerns, I felt a genuine understanding and camaraderie. Every day as you work to provide the best education possible for your students, remember that your counterparts across the world are striving to give the same opportunities to the youngsters that they are teaching. You hold the future in your hands. It is an incredible responsibility and an amazing opportunity to make a difference in the world.
I often think with fondness about the last day of my time in Blagoveschensk. The teachers at Valentina Mikhailova’s school sang a song to me that touched me greatly. It was a song about hope. Through generations of students, teachers keep hope alive. As you work together today, remember how important you are. You--along with other teachers around the globe--are doing your part to bring about a hopeful future. As you share in the important job of educating children, filling them with hope, and preparing them to make a difference, I send my best wishes and heartfelt thanks to each of you for the important work that you are doing.
With respect and admiration,
Kay Esmiol
January 21, 2008
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| К.Эсмиол в нашей школе |
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