Sometimes the best stories start in the most unlikely places….
When I became aware of Eyes on EB, what first stood out to me was that it stirred strong opinions—and not all of them were good. But if you know me, you know that I never shy away from controversy. However, I never shy away from a challenge. On the contrary, I welcome it, and I see it as an opportunity to move the needle, to expand minds, and to keep the lines of communication open and flowing, rather than closing eyes, ears, minds, and most of all, doors. I saw something different: potential. Potential to turn energy, passion, and even past controversy into real, lasting good for our community. My integrity is key, and I am guided by my morals and ethics. I am straightforward and honest—a quality that can be a blessing or a curse, depending on which side you’re on. Above all, though, I strive to be fair and equitable, to ALL sides.
Eyes on EB started out as a somewhat different platform, using a combination of satire and seriousness as a vessel to enlighten and inform the community about the goingson in our town. I was not involved until very recently, so I will not speak for anyone on the past practices. It is not my job to defend or deny any instances in question, nor would I ever be audacious enough to think I had the right to do so. But I’ve seen something remarkable happen—in the midst of the controversy, Eyes on EB brought more attention to the needs of the community, and that mere fact is undeniable, whether one wants to admit it or not. Its focus is changing, and so is the impact it is having, and can continue to have here in EB. Of that, I am sure.
I invited all EBBOE candidates to be spotlighted on Eyes on EB/Voices of EB, hoping to give the community a more personal way to get to know the individuals they’ll be voting for at the polls this November. If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that staying educated and informed—especially about our children, their education, and their well-being—is essential for the success of our children and our community at large.
As expected, some have hesitated to enter into this space. This was no surprise. The reluctance of some to accept the invitation was expected, but the invitation was extended nonetheless and is still open. I do not take it personally, nor do I hold it against anyone. What I DO ask is that people open their hearts and their minds to new opportunities, and have what we wish for our children to have, a mindset, not a closed one.
As an educator, I am programmed to give every individual who wants it, an opportunity to make changes, and to showcase those changes when they choose to do so… Each day in my classroom is a tabula rasa, a “clean slate”, so to speak. My students know that their actions and choices of yesterday don’t need to create a road map for today. They have an opportunity to change course, forge a new path. If I did not believe that everyone deserved an opportunity to exhibit change they have worked hard to achieve, what kind of example would I be setting for my own children and the children I educate each and every day?
“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him.” Mahatma Gandhi
Gandhi reminded us that real change starts within. When we shift our mindset, habits, and actions, the world around us responds in kind. Simply put—be the change you wish to see in the world.
As I wrote back in a response to a community member, there were many who conducted themselves in ways that were unbecoming and embarrassing at times. As far as I’m concerned, that is the polar opposite of what should be modeled for our children. Our kids deserve so much more from the adults in their lives! Over the past few years, it has gotten so ugly that it’s hard to clear through the debris left in the fallout and get to what is really important in order to make effective change.
I joined Eyes on EB in the hopes that I can help be a catalyst in changing the divisive climate, bringing people together through a shared love of our community and a vested interest in making sure that the children of EB have every opportunity to become the best version of themselves. Maybe it’s idealistic of me, maybe I’m setting my expectations too high- but I believe in this community. I hope you do too.
This town, my town, OUR town, has so much heart—and I couldn’t resist the chance to be part of something that helps it beat stronger. My roots are firmly embedded deep in the soil of EB, seeds planted back in a time when things were simpler, not perfect, but pretty great! I am a proud EBHS alumni, who chose to give up a 12 minute round-trip commute and trade it for a 2 hour commute so that my girls could be raised here and experience the wonderful things that EB has always had and continues to offer its community members!
I hope you will join us on this path forward. Good things grow when we choose to plant the seeds together.
