Cross the Finish Line Arms Linked Together

I'm Brian Martin, a second grade teacher who find so much joy and fulfillment in what I do. Being in the classroom for almost 20 years, I know all about the time, effort and energy that you are continuously pouring into those you serve. That's why each week, I'm going to bring you an inspiring message to give you a little joy, and help fill your cup back up. Thank you for being here. And welcome to the teaching champions podcast. What's going on everybody, I hope this finds you striving and thriving and doing absolutely amazing. Today, I want to share with you a small portion of a commencement speech that Mr. Fred Rogers gave to Dartmouth College in 2002. I want you to listen to the story he shares and see how that story relates to us today. how it relates to our lives, and our circumstances. And in his speech, he talks about one of his favorite stories that came from the Seattle Special Olympics was the 100 yard dash. There were nine contestants, all of them so called physically or mentally disabled. all nine of them assembled the starting line, and that the sound of the gun they took off. But not long afterward, one little boy stumbled and fell. And he hurt his knee and he began to cry. The other eight children heard him cry. They slowed down, turned around and ran back to every single one of them ran back to one little girl with down syndrome bent down and kissed the boy and said, This will make it better. The little boy got up and he and the rest of the runners linked arms together and joyfully walked to the finish line. They all finish the race at the same time. And when they did, everyone in the stadium stood up and clapped and whistled and cheered for a long, long time. People who are there are still telling the story with great delight. And you know why? because deep down, we know what matters in this life is more than winning for ourselves. What really matters is helping others win to even if it means slowing down and changing our course now and then. That's a powerful moment that Mr. Rogers shares. And when you step back, and you look at where we've come from this year, what we faced on a personal level to a professional level, from the individual classrooms to school wide to district this year, it's truly been a year. Is it a year that any of us wanted? No. Has it been perfect? Far from but our students they've learned they've grown, they've felt loved and seen. And think of all the amazing moments that you've had this year. Thinking the moments that you've shared those laughs think about those moments when you share those tears, those moments wherever you've listened, and you've connected, those moments when you've seen one of your champions have that breakthrough. And you see those wheels start spinning and it just clicks. And despite all the challenges, all the obstacles that stood in our way. We've experienced all of these. And it's important to recognize for many of us, we didn't get through this on our own. Every one of us in our schools have traveled this road together. And there's been people who have helped us out every day. people share those lasts with us, who listened to us when we needed someone to talk to who were there to help wipe away our tears to pick us up to give us encouragement when we needed it. So as the countdown begins to the end of the school year, show appreciation to those who stood in the trenches with you this year, and have helped you along the way. Four is not about who's the best teacher who students score the best. Who does better than all the rest bent about being there for each other, about walking side by side throughout this year, supporting one another, sharing with one another encouraging one another. Because we took this year on, and we linked our arms together. And when that person to the right fell, we reached down, and we pulled them up. And when that person to the left fell, we reached down, and we pick them up. And then those times when we fell, those people on our right, those people on our left, they reached down and picked us up. Because we're all in this together. And as the saying goes, a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. So as we near this finish line, let's support, encourage and lift each other up. Thanks so much for supporting the podcast, I appreciate you. And if you could subscribe, or pass this podcast on to others, I'd be so appreciative. It helps the podcast grow. And it's just about serving each other and helping each other stay positive, encouraged, and finish the school year strong. And always remember, it doesn't matter. If we're from rural America, to urban America, to Canada, to Spain to Bahrain. We're all on that same team. We're all on that same mission. And we're always better together. My challenge for you this week, identify those people who have stood to your left. And to your right. Those people wiped away your tears. Those people who made you laugh. Those people kept you from sinking during the ups and downs of the school year. And take a moment and just let them know. I appreciate you for being new. It's simple, but it's impactful. I appreciate you for being you. Keep being amazing, my friends, and as we go out into this week, may step into your strength. May you step into your Shine, shine, and let's build these champions up. Have a great week, everybody.