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I have always considered it a great blessing that my occupation and my vocation have coincided, that my professional life has been my calling. I have found inspiration in my concern for the welfare of children. A former mentor of mine helped me understand the difference between talents and gifts when he said that talents are the things we can teach others, but gifts are uniquely for us to do. This month’s e-news is a story about service and gratitude. It is a story, an epilogue of sorts, which speaks to the difference so many of you have made in the life of one family.
As many of you know, I serve on several community boards, including The Columbian’s Advisory Board. It is through this connection that I met Den Fusso, a parent of three recent graduates from Skyview High School—Nicko (2003), Logan (2006), and Renata (2008), who are now successful in college and careers.
Last spring, Den expressed her deep gratitude for the quality of education her children received in Vancouver Public Schools. Her children’s teachers had been a positive influence. Without their dedication, wisdom, respect and encouragement, her children would not be in such successful places in their lives today.
Since our meeting was about to begin, I invited Den to send me an e-mail with some of the names and contributions made by our staff. I received that message this month. She was apologetic about the delay, but in our profession, we are accustomed to being patient, knowing that the fruits of our labor can be years or even decades away. Den asked me to share her letter, so I am. She writes, “When I’ve been concerned, I’ve been vocal. I think it’s important to be even more vocal when I’m pleased.”
Here are a few of her acknowledgements about our teachers:
Ron Wargo:He taught kids to turbo-charge their reading. He really helped them prepare for the amount of reading they’d do in college—challenging material, very relaxed attitude. Logan and Renata would be whining a lot today, were it not for the expectations of Mr. Wargo.
Ralph Emerson:He was another very demanding teacher. Logan and Renata were always anxious to share discussions that occurred in his class. He brought some real-world experience to his teaching.
Kathy Mills:She really challenged Renata in anatomy. Renata texted me today that she’d be “dying” now in her nurses program, if she hadn’t had that class with Ms. Mills. I’m so glad she had the opportunity, and that Ms. Mills was so tough.
Eric Silvey:He realized Nicko needed extra challenges, and Nicko seemed to put forth a greater amount of effort on papers for Mr. Silvey. Mr. Silvey made him rise to the challenge. I was always so glad.
Kasey Powers:He has the dubious distinction of being the only teacher to have lived through all three of my kids. He encouraged them, made them think, and respected their individuality. Powers was fun and taught my kids not to take themselves too seriously.
Nate Botnen:Logan swore he’d never take another science class after Skyview. Ha! Now, all he takes are science lectures and labs. Thankfully, Mr. Botnen gave him such a good foundation. He’d never make it without the guidance and expectations from Mr. Botnen.
Bob Brands:Fantastic math teacher! Without him, Logan never would have managed through the science courses and math he has had to take. ALL of Logan’s classes are sciences with heavy math components. Bob Brands gave him such a great foundation. Logan STILL mentions him.
Thank you to these, and other, educators for the impact you’ve had on the Fusso family. And thank you to all our employees, who make a difference for students and their families. Our gift to the world is to do the one thing we have been called upon to do. As Marian Wright Edeleman, president and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, once said, “Service is the rent we pay for living.”
Have a great February.
Take care,
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