COLORADO
Learning from the young
I have worked with young people for a long time in this community, and have always seen them as a microcosm of our society. If you want the pulse of our community, look at how our young people are doing how they are behaving, the decisions they are making for themselves. As I reflect on this value, I realize that, for the most part, I have been looking at this through the bias of, "Things are wrong with our community and the youth are a reflection of what is wrong in our communities," rather than, "Things are good with our community and the youth are a reflection of thriving and making great choices."
I want to congratulate and thank the Fairview boys basketball team for giving me clarity around this understanding. I want to thank them for reminding me what a team can accomplish when they work together for the goals of the team and greater good over the individual. The modeling of this behavior made me aware that young people in this community are making decisions that propel them to their goals and dreams. I want to congratulate them on having a wonderful and exciting season.
During this basketball season, I saw a group of people coaches, families, students and community members come together to support this team effort. Each individual made a decision to work together to support each member of this team to be successful. To be able to see and experience that level of support toward a common objective was impressive. It makes me wonder what we could accomplish if we all worked together on community issues, education, justice, and equity as if it were the championship game and the whole season was on the line. Those young men showed up to the championship game knowing the game could end one of two ways, and they worked hard with integrity and drive.
To each member of the team, I want to remind you to always keep sight of what you were able to accomplish this season. You played hard and fair. You exemplified impressive team effort. You played with dignity and pride, and that is commendable. You showed yourself (and others) that you can set a goal and push yourself to achieve that goal. You have what it takes to be successful in setting goals and achieving them.
I also wanted to recognize a group of young ladies that also made a team effort and showed that teamwork can accomplish anything. Congratulations to the Broomfield and Monarch high school's girls basketball teams, who were also in the state playoffs. Broomfield won their championship game. All the players showed us that you can have a goal and work hard to achieve that goal. You showed me that not everyone can win the game, and yet you still have to continue to play hard until the last bell. You are all winners and you showed all of your communities the power and determination of the young men and women in our communities. May you always continue to reach for big goals.
As I think about how we perceive the youth of today I realize the many good things going on in our communities. It is important to celebrate those accomplishments. Teamwork is critical to our success as a community and these teams have shown us we can work together. Pick an issue that is important to you and work on it as if it was the championship game. Dig deep and put everything you have into changing and having an impact on an issue that is important to you. May we all have the stamina, determination, and success that our youth have recently demonstrated. Thank you, kids, for reminding us of how it's done!
Bill de la Cruz
22 March 2009
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2009/mar/22/learning-from-the-young/
