To My Students,
First, you may not need this letter. That’s okay. I felt I needed to write it, mostly so I could make sure you all know the following four things. You are loved. You are not alone. I am here to help. I am here to protect you. If I could say these things to you a million times, I would.
Now, more than ever, it is important to show compassion and empathy. Marginalized groups and their allies around the country are feeling the sting of intolerance and hate, and it is the responsibility of every good person to fight for the opposite. Now, more than ever, we must try to, as Gandhi said, “be the change we wish to see in the world.” If you are upset or concerned about the future, do not fold into yourself, but rather turn your feelings out into the world: make art, be loud, stand up, and stand in the way; do not let negativity thrive. Be a force for empathy and you will inspire others to do the same. Spread knowledge around. Seek to understand; if you believe you know the truth, listen with kindness so that your audience might do the same for you.
Now, more than ever, we must support one another. We must look for the things that connect us and hold them dear. We must look for the things that divide us and start building bridges from both sides. Fight hate with love, ignorance and fear with knowledge, intolerance with acceptance.
Now, more than ever, it is important to tell your story. Don’t stop writing. Just as you learn from the experiences of the characters in the stories you read, others can learn from you. Show them your world so they can’t ignore it. You are important and your voice will impact the future.
Please don’t forget that you are loved. You are not alone. I am here to help. I am here to protect you. These facts won’t change. When things feel dark, be a light for others and let others be a light for you. As the recently deceased Leonard Cohen wrote, “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.”
Courage doesn’t mean lack of fear, it means forging ahead even when you’re afraid.
With Love,
Ms. Spiegel
First, you may not need this letter. That’s okay. I felt I needed to write it, mostly so I could make sure you all know the following four things. You are loved. You are not alone. I am here to help. I am here to protect you. If I could say these things to you a million times, I would.
Now, more than ever, it is important to show compassion and empathy. Marginalized groups and their allies around the country are feeling the sting of intolerance and hate, and it is the responsibility of every good person to fight for the opposite. Now, more than ever, we must try to, as Gandhi said, “be the change we wish to see in the world.” If you are upset or concerned about the future, do not fold into yourself, but rather turn your feelings out into the world: make art, be loud, stand up, and stand in the way; do not let negativity thrive. Be a force for empathy and you will inspire others to do the same. Spread knowledge around. Seek to understand; if you believe you know the truth, listen with kindness so that your audience might do the same for you.
Now, more than ever, we must support one another. We must look for the things that connect us and hold them dear. We must look for the things that divide us and start building bridges from both sides. Fight hate with love, ignorance and fear with knowledge, intolerance with acceptance.
Now, more than ever, it is important to tell your story. Don’t stop writing. Just as you learn from the experiences of the characters in the stories you read, others can learn from you. Show them your world so they can’t ignore it. You are important and your voice will impact the future.
Please don’t forget that you are loved. You are not alone. I am here to help. I am here to protect you. These facts won’t change. When things feel dark, be a light for others and let others be a light for you. As the recently deceased Leonard Cohen wrote, “Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.”
Courage doesn’t mean lack of fear, it means forging ahead even when you’re afraid.
With Love,
Ms. Spiegel