Nathan's Reflections

Nathan Bean, LT'23, Sankofa Impact

We began the day by mapping out our education journey with fellow cohort members. In my group, there was someone educated internationally, another in Thurston County, and my own education in New Hampshire. Three distinct education narratives, all with paths leading to the 15th floor of Rainier Tower. Harmonizing disparate narratives into community is Leadership Tomorrow at its best. 

Next, we heard from education leaders Erin Jones and Brad Brown. The panel weaved together the importance of our shared history, practical changes, and the overall landscape of education in our region. There are many leadership styles, none more effective for me than modeling. Erin Jones exuded joy, even when tackling tough issues. Brad Brown, echoing the words of Sean Ginwright, reminded us that when feeling overwhelmed by intractable systemic issues, we should "hit that mirror” and turn inward.

A second round of Theater of the Oppressed was conducted by the incomparable Nabra Nelson. In one exercise, the cohort viewed education images and were asked to assign narratives and meaning to various stock images (i.e. kids in a classroom). As we offered perspectives based on our understanding of education, lived experiences, and aspirations, the images came to life. This was a reminder of how much meaning we all assign, often in the blink of an eye. Holding multiple truths at once is a practice. 

Finally, I was deeply inspired by fellow cohort member Hiawatha Davis, who spoke about his work in critical pedagogy, which aligns closely with the work of Brazilian educator Paulo Freire. Freire said, “Knowledge emerges only through invention and re-invention, through the restless, impatient, continuing, hopeful inquiry human beings pursue in the world, with the world, and with each other.” 

I continue to be so grateful for the knowledge, dialogue, and personal growth through this experience. 

Thanh's Reflections

Thanh Nguyen, LT'23, Campion Advocacy Fund

On our Education Possibility Day, Erin Jones – an education leader and one of our inspiring speakers – said something that deeply resonated with me. She said it’s important to show up as your authentic self and disrupt narratives that try to put you in a box.

While we are often told to be our authentic selves, that doesn’t always mean we are given the space, acceptance, and empowerment to do so. It’s more convenient to categorize people in boxes and labels instead of making the effort to understand them holistically through their values, identities, culture, and lived experiences.

This is especially relevant in the workplace, when you show up as your authentic self and then are told that you are “too much" or "disruptive," or you are asked to "tone down" or there will be significant ramifications, such as not being promoted or getting a raise.

I still struggle with how I show up in certain settings, internally debating whether I can be my authentic self or if I have to code-switch. I've come to realize that this tension serves as a valuable reminder of my self-awareness. It prevents me from becoming complacent or confined within a box. It also serves as an opportunity to practice getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, an essential aspect of leadership.

Desiree's Reflections

Desiree Prewitt, LT'23, Port of Seattle

We started Education Day reflecting on our own K-12 schooling experiences. Such a diversity of parochial and public; communities rural and urban; diverse and homogenous; and Common Ground memories of starting over again.

Erin Jones and Brad Brown presented in our community leaders’ studio hour. Brad spoke meaningfully about personal accountability, confronting conflict with humanity, and how concepts introduced in "The Four Pivots" have impacted his walk as a transformative (AKA turn-around) principal.

Erin shared her journey advocating for greater racial representation among educational leaders in Washington state, emphasizing the crucial role that welcoming communities play in diversifying the teaching pool. She challenged us to help cultivate joy in our communities’ classrooms beyond grade 5. (She cultivated my joy when she mimed the experience of a middle school dance!)

How will I apply the day’s learning? First, by supporting my block’s middle and high school PTSAs. By getting to know teachers, school staff, and scholars by sight and by name, so I can greet my neighbors. Ultimately, I also hope to leave my organization better than I found it.

The LT values that resonate with me as we collectively face challenges in our educational system are belonging and humility. Over lunch, I experienced open discussion and self-reflection about our learning this year with fellow cohort members. In the afternoon, we analyzed our interpretation of social dynamics and our proximity to power, influence, change and joy through several Theater of the Oppressed exercises.

Some of us continued our fellowship afterwards by going subterranean at the Elephant and Castle for shared plates, intense conversation, and laughter. I walked to the bus with my tamales box full of the sweet potato pie Tracy’s mother-in-law baked, my heart full of love, and my head swimming with challenges … and possibilities.