Summer, 2012

Dear Paul,

"If you do not learn it I will teach you again." I listened to you.

I am changed as a leader because of the experiences that I have been a part of with you. I was naive to the impact that these experiences would have on me. As a result of our relationship I view teaching and learning differently. I will continue to value the connection between us. With you as my guide I accept that my presence and habits of mind play a role in my learning. I am open. I am comfortably uncomfortable. The students, families and community depend on me to level the playing field for all learners by cultivating this rich learning culture in our school. Educators find greatness and coax it out of the students they serve and more importantly they are asked by me to coax it out of themselves. Becoming a lead learner involves taking risks like the ones you supported in me. Learning is hard work. It is emotional. It is risky. Things will definitely go wrong. It is at that very moment that the spark becomes a flame or is extinguished. I endeavor to make it happen, sometimes reluctantly as you might imagine, but I will make it happen nonetheless. It is at the moment of uncertainty that learning happens or does not. It is only in predicting success in the face of certain failure that we find the tension to innovate and then truly succeed.

"You came here for yourself so ask for it." I heard you.

I am careful not to write you a simple letter of thanks and appreciation. I know that you would not be expecting that and that you would probably say something like "Okay". This is your true gift. You have given things to people because that is your role in the human experience. Why say "you’re welcome" when you are just being you. Human connection is stronger when not attached to niceties and pleasantries society has conjured. I can hear your voice as I write, asking, "What are manners really?" Human connection is more authentic when we just listen and seek to understand without thinking or feeling that this is in some way a favour we do for each other that requires "thanks" and "you're welcomes". This letter is not thanks to you, more than that, this letter is a letter of thanks to the creator. The thanks I have are for my opportunities and for the learning experiences I have been fortunate to be part of. It just so happens that in my top five are two events that happened in your presence. This is no coincidence I am certain. I asked for your help and instead I received your spiritual guidance.

"Walking on the road of kindness is the hardest part." I understand.

The kindness you have shared with me has changed my perspective, my knowledge and my practice. Your kindness has changed me. Originally my goal for dialoguing with you and listening to you was to strengthen your relationship with the school that your children attended. I knew that the relationship you had with the school was fractured. I attempted early on to find the families and parents that were courageous and vocal about their truths and experiences with the school. It was my intent to right the wrongs, to rebuild trust. The truth is that I got much more out of our time together than you I am sure. Our interaction has helped me become far more critically conscious than I once was. The learning inside, around and outside of the struggle is what makes life so rewarding.

The lessons I have learned through you are no longer a part of what I do, they are a part of who I am.

Megwiich,

James