By Mallory Aldrich
I, like many other people across the country am completely addicted to the TV show Ted Lasso. From Ted’s quirky analogies to Keely’s bubbly personality, I can’t get enough. When Jason Sudeikis’s recently stood on stage to accept the Emmy for Best Actor in a Television Comedy he said these words, “This show is about family. This show is about mentors and teachers. This show is about teammates. And I wouldn’t be here without those three things in my life,”. I couldn’t help but to continue to think about this speech.
I thought about my past teachers, mentors, family, and “teammates” all who have helped guide me to where I am today. But then I went a little deeper and I thought of the students who we work with at IEA who are often told to fit into round hole of the education system when they are a square peg and it just doesn’t fit. That is until they find that one teacher or mentor who opens the world of education to them. Who encourages them to dig a little deeper in a subject that they are learning about. Or to take a supplemental class in a subject matter that will challenge them because learning is amazing and fun and hard but so worth it. Just like Coach Lasso and Beard challenge each of their players.
The speech made me think of the CDB scholars who I work with daily who have formed a network of “teammates” who cheer them on, challenge them to achieve their potential and are there for them if it doesn’t work out they way they hoped.
The alumni and the parents of CDB scholars who give their time to serve as mentors to our young scholars, so they have an opportunity to pursue their passions. Every day I see the parents of IEA’s students who navigate the world of education for their children or to help other children to succeed. This doesn’t go unnoticed.
I am so lucky to work with some of the most passionate people who are determined to help each student that walks through the doors of IEA to the best of our ability. We don’t have one size fit all method here and I know that is something that makes us stand out.
So, in honor of Ted Lasso take the time to remember your family, teachers, mentors, and teammates and thank them. Also, never forget to be a goldfish when something doesn’t go your way and always believe in yourself.