I am not sure if reading my @BreneBrown book brought this on, but I suddenly have some thoughts I want to share.
I don't know if I've ever appreciated the specific niche of coverage I'm responsible for — education — more than I am right now, each day (1/)

I'll backtrack first: #COVID19 is hellish. Mass unemployment is awful. Seniors missing out on stuff sucks.
On top of that, I've got friends & colleagues — fellow reporters — furloughed, enduring pay cuts, laid off.
Amid it all I'm talking to teachers, principals etc daily (2/)

& let me tell you, the resilience, creativity and HOPE I hear every week is a privilege to encounter while reporting.
To be sure, students will still suffer — esp those who were vulnerable before their education was turned upside-down. That's hard to swallow. (3/)

Institutional weaknesses will likely be exacerbated, esp for homeless students and students with disabilities. This isn't okay.
But it'd be hard to convince me that school staff aren't gonna try hard. Every single interview, someone names this time as an opportunity (4/)

not just a challenge, a problem to solve. Coming from the news industry, where embracing change can feel super uncommon, listening to these employees speak resilience and embrace a growth mindset lends a lot of joy — and it refreshes my motivation & mindset. (5/)

I know a lot of homeschool families. I married a homeschool graduate. I even was homeschooled until middle school.
Many of my Christian friends harbor a deep skepticism about public schools. One recently shared a video in which the speaker called public schools "corrupt." (6/)

At this time, I wouldn't report any evidence of corruption in the efforts, plans, dedication & creativity of the educators I've been listening to. I feel honored to get the chance to help families know their options, to make sure students are heard. (7/)

I have at least 1 day/week when I feel like this work doesn't matter. I don't know how to get readers to value it. I don't have all the answers on how to keep our jobs around.
But for as long as I get to listen to my community members, I'll try to be grateful. (8/)

I will try to embrace the same attitude teachers & others are demonstrating each week — in the car parades, in dropping off schoolwork at homes using their own cars, in recording their lessons on video & holding dance parties in their garages. (9/)

I will take my public education role seriously, too.
Thanks to everyone who has read, commented politely, subscribed & especially said thank you or a kind word.
Put this up in the newsroom about a year ago. Not sure where it went. Still worth a thought, I think. (10/)

And thanks to every colleague encouraging me, inspiring me, helping me & bringing your best.
I pray each day to be useful to this community, this state. Our students & their families, as well as the taxpayers beyond them, deserve good reporting. Hopefully they will always get it.