When I reflect on this past summer, I can only think of one word. Baseball. For our family, it was the summer of baseball. Our youngest son’s team won the Maine State Championship, which was a huge accomplishment, and the first time the city of Portland won in the 9/10 age group division. Winning meant the team kept playing in a regional tournament through most of the summer.
While the team loves baseball, the dedication it took for the boys to have such success was something to be commended. The group of now fourth and fifth graders practiced every single day from the end of the school year through the middle of August during one of the hottest summers on record. They didn’t quit or complain. While they came up a bit short of a regional title, their devotion to the team and all things team-related was inspiring. A group of boys, many of whom didn’t know each other before playing baseball together, worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal. They became a mini family with a true sense of community, building friendships that will last for years to come.
The team’s efforts reminded me of what it is like to start a new school year with new students… kids and college students who are in new environments with new people with unfamiliar rules and expectations looking to find a place to fit in and belong. What helped the baseball team was its instant sense of community. They came together because of a common interest but formed a unique bond because of the leadership set forth by the coaching staff and parents. Every adult involved with the team made it a point to get to know each other, (most were also strangers before this experience) and all came together quickly, connecting to support each player.
This is now the time for you too, as a local union come together and support each other. Starting the year united, having each other’s backs will help you get through each day-even the bad ones-feeling supported. Your union is your team. Each educator and MEA staff member are here to listen when you have a problem, offer advice when you are struggling reaching a particular student, and celebrate when you get that W. Just as the baseball team needed caring adults to help them along the way, because their talents alone were not enough, you all need each other and your Union. And we are always here.
As you dive into this school year, I wish you all the same success of my son’s team…the kind that keeps you smiling like a child, excited for the small wins, and ready to roll up your sleeves when you’re down two runs in the bottom of the 6th- because you truly never know how much you can accomplish until you swing for the fences.
Together, we can do more. Together, we are a team. Together, we can achieve so much for our students. Good luck this year, and go team MEA!
Giovanna Bechard
Editor
