Gratitude for Work

I don't often tell my stories of Walden, because as a teacher and Collective member it sometimes feels boastful. Today, we had a small assembly celebrating and acknowledging AANHPI heritage month. Teachers and students shared their joyful learning of Asian heritage throughout the whole year: robust, nuanced, and real. I just want to give a public shout-out for ourselves.

In the Fall, the art department and our new Drama teacher did a shadow puppet performance of the Monkey King. We attended as a family and my 3 year old son talked about it and read about it for months. When my father, who lives abroad came to visit and met my oldest child for the first time, he talked about the legend like it was common knowledge because at Walden, it is!

The Drama teacher then guided our MG and UG students in a study of world theater, including a unit on Asian theater.

The MG teacher has read more books with Asian characters and about the Asian experience than I have ever seen in an elementary classroom.

The UG teacher has highlighted the influence and lives of Asian people in Californian history in a multi-faceted nuanced way that upholds the push and pull that influence immigration, and the strength and autonomy of different groups of immigrants.

In February, the entire school worked together to bring to life traditions and symbols- colors, sounds, flavors, dance, and celebration of the Lunar New Year.

I know that not every year will be the same, but for one critical year in my child's life, and in my life as a parent, I had the chance to experience my culture alive within my workplace in a manner that felt authentic and for that I'm thankful.

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