"What's Next?"

Orientation Day 1 for our 2012 CMs happened this past Sunday. Below this blurb is the speech given by Greg, one of our fantastic 2012 CMs. I wish I had video of this, because it’s not only beautifully written, but was wonderfully performed.

Anyway, Orientation invariably led to a 60-hr work week for CT, and even more for my beloved staff-migos (staff+amigos) who put their hearts and souls on the clock to try and give our 2012 CMs a great welcome home and transition back to the aina to get started on such important work. I can’t even begin to talk about how much I appreciate their work, support, and generosity of spirit as I handled the first big learning curve of event-planning.

I mentioned that we were working all-day Sunday to a high school friend, who said immediately, “Why would you do that?!”

At the time, I wasn’t sure. I was tired. I was stressed. I just wanted to curl up and take an anxiety-induced nap.

Then I see the smiling faces of our CMs. And then I see how much aloha and sense of ‘ohana they are bringing back to the aina. And then Greg comes up with this beautiful speech. This is the reason why I work on Sundays, and will work late into the night for as long as I need to. Much like my keiki often inspired me when I was a teacher, our corps members absolutely and 100% inspire me to work as hard as possible to help enact educational change in Hawai’i and the United States.

Why? Because, yes, shows like the Newsroom (and I love Aaron Sorkin) may point out that my generation has a lot of apathy.  We are not perfect. No, America is not perfect. Still, I’m sure as hell not going to sit back and let the country go to hell and a handbasket. I’m sure as hell not going to sit back while education desperately needs reform and the achievement gap still exists. I am not alone in this. There is an entire movement of people willing to step up and give America’s students what they deserve, and every day I am immensely proud to serve the people who are willing to self-sacrifice and do that work.

Greg is just one of 96 amazing corps members joining us in Hawai’i this year to do that work.  am immensely proud of him, and all those who join him. Read his speech for some insight as to why. 

alohagreg:

Hello!

I had the chance to give another speech today - this time in front of the entire 2012 Hawai’i corps. I loved getting to talk in front of my new Ohana, and I hope this can be meaningful for anyone who reads it. Head past the break for the text!

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