When Sandile arrived on campus, I gave him a heads-up: things move quickly here. You'll feel drained, but amidst taking care of yourself, embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Not one to let someone tackle a mission alone, I decided to adopt a "YES" attitude this month, and boy, am I glad I did.
It all began in late January when my proposal to collaborate with Teach With Africa was approved by Head-Royce. I immediately quelled concerns about the pace, opting instead to forge ahead. I confidently declared, "YES, we can make it happen," and indeed we did. Swiftly assembling a supportive team, I embarked on yet another campus adventure, collaborating with colleagues from various divisions.
Before I knew it, I was guiding Sandile through his first day on campus while effectively managing the day-to-day affairs of the middle school. Though I've hosted numerous educators from TWA over the years, this time, I assumed an administrative role without the fallback of a classroom. Yet, every time Sandile entered my office, I didn't feel obligated to engage; I genuinely wanted to. Saying yes meant accompanying him on campus walks, seizing learning opportunities, and simply being present in the moment.
But the "YES" mindset didn't end there. Teach With Africa has held a special place in my heart for 15 years, and once I committed, I was fully invested. Denied the opportunity in 2020 due to sending our future leaders home, and with just one virtual exchange leader since, I felt a sense of belonging with the program and immediately recognized the reciprocity in learning.
Saying YES meant warmly welcoming my virtual leader, Cedu, who managed to visit SF this year for a campus tour. It meant dedicating time to forge connections, attending city dinners to foster relationships, and, of course, joining the Gala to celebrate.
When I said “Yes” early in January, I didn’t anticipate all the additional "Yeses" I would utter or enact through my actions. However, I did anticipate that time would swiftly pass, and soon it would be April. Yet, as I journeyed alongside Sandile, as well as the other teachers, leaders, parents, and administrators committed to this program this year and in previous years, one principle became unmistakably clear: Ubuntu—I am what I am because of who we all are.
More lessons will surface when the dust settles. But for now I offer gratitude.