Community

Co-mu-ni-ty: a social group of any size whose members reside in a specific locality, share government, and often have a common cultural and historical heritage.

If you have ever moved from one city or state to another, you know that every place has a different feel, or culture to it. Each state has it's own place in history, and in a sense, has it's own identity. If you work in a school in a community, you really get the sense of what is going on in the local community by getting to know kids and family.

Working in a school we are often told by fellow educators to "not take the students problems home with us," but in reality, there is not really a way to separate them from our minds when we invest so much time and energy into them during the school day. I think most teachers will tell you there are many times they go home and think about their students and all that they are dealing with.

Today is one of those days for me. I have some students in real crisis right now. Mary, whose name I can use because she is on many prayer chains, is struggling to survive at Peyton Manning's Children's Hospital after a sudden illness. I am very worried about Mary. She is part of my school community and I care about her family and what happens to her. I am not sure I would want to live in isolation from my community. We are all called on to help and support each other.

This year has proven to be my toughest emotional year yet with all the things this group of students is struggling with. I know I am here for a reason, and I have to believe it's to help these kids and families. It keeps me going every day, even though at times, it is hard.

Whatever you are struggling with right now, please remember, you are stronger than you think you are, and there is someone in your community who needs YOU.