You are Heroes

04/12/2021

In our world of big names, curiously, our true heroes tend to be anonymous...the teacher, the nurse, the mother, the honest cop, the hard worker at...unpublicized jobs.
Historian, Daniel Boorstin

Dear Exchange Community,

Recently good-friend-of-Exchange, Margie Carter, sent me this piece written by Julia Koumbassa, Director of University of Michigan’s North Campus Children’s Center and Practitioner Institute. Julia graciously agreed I could share it in EED:

“Recently, the directors from our 3 Children’s Centers on campus were asked to participate in a photo series for the University of Michigan’s social pages. In their description, they indicated they wanted to highlight some of the ‘unsung heroes of the U-M community’ in honor of Women’s History Month. I am so appreciative and honored to receive this recognition for the work we do, especially on a campus where we are in the company of folks who are doing things like finding the cure for cancer or developing lasers that can tell us about the origins of our universe.

At the same time, I cannot let the opportunity pass by without recognizing the real heroes in this scenario - our teachers. Across the country, Early Childhood Educators have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic so that people (especially women) who are doing things like developing COVID vaccines or treating COVID patients can go to work. While our country fights over whether it is safe or fair to ask teachers to return to teaching amidst a pandemic, our teachers have been going to work since July, without a vaccine until very recently, and on far less wages than a public school teacher.

Our teachers, who set their own fear and anxiety aside to provide supportive and loving care for the young children who are also living through this collective trauma. Our teachers, who try to forget about the virus ravaging our communities as they change diapers, wipe noses, and give the biggest, warmest hugs you could imagine. Our teachers, who have seamlessly transitioned into countless new and ever-changing protocols, while still executing meaningful and engaging learning experiences for our youngest citizens. Our teachers, who are in the midst of caring for their own children or elderly family members, while still having space to uphold the anxious and fearful parents of our community.

These are the heroes who I get the honor to serve every day. These are the heroes who will have a tremendous impact on the long term outcomes of this pandemic. These are the heroes we need to honor and recognize.” - Julia Koumbassa

Julia is right. You are all heroes. And to say thank you I have asked our team if we could provide everyone with a $10 off code for any Exchange product of your choice (see below for details).

With appreciation and admiration for all you do!

Nancy Rosenow,
Exchange Publisher,
on behalf of our whole team

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