Toward the end of his life, whenever Fred Rogers was invited to give a college commencement address, he would offer the assembled graduates and their guests an invisible gift of a minute of silence to think about the people who had helped them become who they were, nourished them at the deepest part of their being, loved them, and wanted what was best for them. Typically, his address would include a variation of this message of humility and gratitude as noted in the biographical film Won’t You Be My Neighbor?:
Anyone who has ever been able to sustain good work has had at least one person—and often many—who have believed in him or her. We just don’t get to be competent human beings without a lot of different investments from others. . . . From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving.
Doubtlessly, parents and teachers were brought to mind.
Parents are the most important and influential people in a child’s life. Parents lavish their children with unconditional love and care and along with grandparents and other family members provide them with knowledge, experiences, and skills that will affect the course of their lives. Parents are a child’s first teachers. When parents sing, recite nursery rhymes and poetry, and read stories aloud to a child, they furnish the child’s mind with rich, expressive language that builds vocabulary and instills a love of reading. Family-centered rituals and routines such as having meals together, playing games, and sharing family stories build communication skills and foster togetherness. Parents nurture children with encouragement and guidance. They exemplify family traditions and values and make sacrifices to ensure their children blossom and thrive. They teach their children invaluable life lessons such as problem solving and coping with adversity, as well as the importance of empathy and integrity. The nurturing environment, guidance, and loving care provided by parents are essential to a child’s healthy development and a fulfilling and productive adulthood.
Teachers, too, have a tremendous impact on students. Like parents, teachers model and encourage habits such as working hard, accepting responsibility, and learning from mistakes. Whether they are generalists who teach all subjects in the elementary grades or specialists who focus on one major subject in middle or high school, educators teach subject matter and build and refine the skills that equip students for success in the classroom and beyond. These include critical thinking skills, communication skills, and working collaboratively with others. Many people can recall a favorite teacher who created a special memory or had a significant influence on their lives. However, due to a variety of social and economic factors, there are students who may not get adequate support or attention at home. Undoubtedly, teachers fill those gaps and meet those needs, serving as mentors who leave a lasting impact on a student’s life.
Strong parent-teacher partnerships create a supportive and nurturing environment for students at home and in school. Employing a variety of strategies that involve students in their own learning such as active learning, inquiry-based learning, and study skills, classroom teachers and parents shape a child's educational journey and lay a foundation for their future success. Knowing that the adults in their lives—parents, grandparents, teachers, coaches, and pastors—believe in them is powerful and builds self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence.
At Marquette University’s commencement in 2001, Fred Rogers concluded his address to the graduates with these words about the people who loved them, supported them, and made a difference in their lives: “Some may be far away, some may even be in heaven; but if they’ve encouraged you to come closer to what you know to be essential about life, I’d like you to have a silent minute to think of them. One minute: I’ll watch the time.”
When the minute had passed, Rogers continued with this encouragement:
Whomever you’ve been thinking about: just imagine how grateful they must be that at this extra special moment in your life, you’re remembering them with such thanksgiving. You don’t ever have to do anything sensational in order to love or to be loved. The real drama of life (that which matters most) is rarely center stage or in the spotlight. In fact, it has nothing to do with IQs and honors and the fancy outsides of life. What really nourishes our souls is the knowing that we can be trusted, that we never have to fear the truth, that the foundation of our very being is good stuff.
As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, acknowledging that who we are is due to the people who nurtured and encouraged us along the way, we offer our sincere gratitude and wholehearted appreciation to you, the parents and teachers who are raising and educating the next generation of well-informed citizens, critical thinkers, and skillful communicators.
by Jean Nichols
Works Cited
Rogers, Fred. “What Nourishes Our Souls.” Marquette University, 2001, Milwaukee, WI.
Commencement Address.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? Directed by Morgan Neville, Focus Features, 2018.
