Every once in a while, when I start to ride the downhill slope that is running for public office, I stop and remember how really lucky I am.  I have a supportive family,  amazing children, a brilliant and special man in my life, remarkable co-workers and incredibly loyal friends.  Through my affiliations with the Stanislaus County Commission for Women and the Modesto Rotary, I have developed relationships with many interesting and unique people who have enriched my life and given me new perspectives.  The group of women working with me on my campaign have been so dedicated and supportive of my efforts and I am constantly amazed at their talent and creativity.  What I realize is that I have many people in my life that genuinely love me; some who are not even related to me.  What, you may ask, does any of this have to do with politics or for that  matter, education?

The answer is, relationships, support and opportunities.  Research shows that children who have supportive loving relationships with adults will be more successful in school.  Children who have people in their lives who take them music lessons, soccer practice, read to them, help them with their homework, encourage them and tell them they are special are indeed blessed.  They have an advantage over children who do not have those people cheering them on.  The thing we have to remember is that they don’t need many of those caring adults, they really only need one or two.  If they don’t have those people in their home, oftentimes, they can and do find them at school.  Whether a music teacher, basketball coach, librarian, counselor or custodian, school staff have a tremendous impact on students and can genuinely change the life of a child.  It’s very easy to find people who will tell you about a favorite teacher…someone who inspired them in their choice of career, hobby or dream. The reverse is true as well, many people have stories about someone at school whose careless comment or insensitivity caused them to give up, to quit or talk themselves out of a dream.  The lesson here is to realize the power of our words and deeds and that we must take great care when dealing with children and their sometimes fragile egos.

One of the tenants of the Modesto City Schools strategic plan is the emphasis on relationships.  The relationships between students, teachers, administrators and staff are the basis of student success.  Caring adults can provide support, guidance and wisdom to students who often have nowhere to turn.  It is also important to remember the benefits of these relationships are not one-way.  Spend any time at all with a young person, and you will immediately realize how much you gain from the interaction.  Our young people have a great deal to say and warrant  an educational environment that encourages them to think deeply and broadly.  I want to see our schools provide all of our children with the opportunities, caring and relationships I enjoy.  What they do with those opportunities is up to them, but they all deserve their shot.

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