In Brazosport, Texas a dedicated principal, Jennifer, searches for just the right message to inspire her staff, many new to the profession, in preparation for the audacious responsibility and the profound opportunity they are about to face, both individually and as a team, as they step together into the beginning of a new school year. Jennifer knows that people connect to stories and she has a story she tells herself and others on a daily bases to stay grounded on why she does the work she does – even when the work gets extremely hard and there is a sense of being overwhelmed. Her story includes a significant message about how she and all other individuals associated with the school have the bodacious opportunity to positively impact children – changing the trajectory of their lives for the good. She firmly believes that dedicated teachers are among the heroes of our nation!

Jennifer, just like all committed principals, knows that it’s her responsibility to clearly articulate the mission of the school. She understands that without clarity – people get off course. Flowing from the district mission of “Empowering our Future” Jennifer will introduce to her staff “What Starts Here Changes the World” a new articulation of the school mission, and a statement recently spoken by Naval Admiral William H. McRaven at the May 2014 University of Texas commencement address.

As it happens, let’s call it serendipitously – Jennifer, a graduate of the University of Texas, comes across Admiral McRaven’s speech and her heart pounds. “This is my message to my staff! It won’t be easy, and yet we can do this as we move together! We have the ability to change the world – one student at a time!”

Here is a link to the commencement address given by Admiral McRaven. See for yourself how his address speaks directly to educators across our nation and to the school in Brazosport, Texas where a school leader is clear on the mission she is about to lead.

By Vicky Dearing, PCC