Principal El Visits Endicott School of Education
On February 8, 2012 Principal Salome Thomas-El spent the day at Endicott meeting and interacting with Education program students. He spoke with Juniors and Seniors in the morning and told them that each and every one of them can be the person that makes a difference in a child’s life. He expounded on his experiences in school settings where children and families face enormous challenges. Many Endicott students were struck by his advice on relating to inner city or urban students who, perhaps, have faced situations that the Endicott students felt were foreign to them. For example, he said that some students have had a parent or a loved one sent to prison. Although the Endicott student may not have had such trouble, they may have had a parent or a loved one pass away. Both are a loss. A parent in prison that a child cannot visit may feel like a death. If we try to find the commonalities or our experiences we can learn how to relate to each other.
Many of the students who were in attendance came back to the education offices to rave about the visit. They were so inspired and re-invigorated about their career paths. They all want to learn from Principal El’s example and change students lives in a positive way. He told the Endicott students: “You all have something to give. You all can change a child’s life for the better. Just believe that they need you, they need someone to care and you will make a difference for the child their family and the community.”
Endicott and the School of Education is looking forward to continuing this strong relationship that exists between Principal El and Endicott students.
By Michelle Bader Mustone