What can I do for America?
What can I do for this nation that has given me freedom, opportunity and ideals?
What can I do for this country at this most tragic hour?
I look around me and I see so many ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The firefighters in New York and the passengers on the hijacked airplanes showed such bravery in the face of danger. The military forces who have already left their families to answer the call to arms and the many survivors who helped others to escape, leave me wondering what is my role in all of this.
I continue my daily routines and I watch the news hoping that all I see is just a very disturbing dream.
My life goes on...
I still fight the traffic each morning to reach my school.
I still write lesson plans and check papers.
I still tie everyone's shoes before we go to the playground.
I still listen to children as they labor sounding out a reading selection.
And...as I look into the faces of my young students, I see my contribution to America.
I teach her children.
I nurture them.
I help them become.
A teacher's role is very important in this hour because only those who work with children have the privilege and the responsibility of shaping the future. Therefore, as I go about my usual routines I feel that I am contributing my talents to our nation. And if someone asks me, "What are you doing to to help America?" I can proudly say that I tie shoes, sing songs, hug twenty kids, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance every day.
