A Meaningful Life
By: Nathan Greenberg, Special to the New Hampshire Cahllenge

Mission Statement: "To provide all students the vision, skills and knowledge necessary to maximize their individual potential. Central to this accomplishment is the collaboration among all shareholders and disciplines so that students can become contributing members of society and appreciate that learning is a life-long process."

From time to time I am asked, "What does that mission statement really mean?". Truth be told – my response probably sounds semi-canned and is laced with educational jargon.

Then about a month ago as I was driving my daughter, Rachel, to work and enjoying our conversation about her job; the latest developments in her favorite soap operas (some of that stuff is unbelievable); her upcoming basketball tournament and the normal odds and ends of daily life – all of which I have come to accept as our regular routine – I realized that what was transpiring was, in fact, the real meaning of that string of words and thoughts in our mission statement - an idea and a philosophy that is designed to guide and support our actions everyday.

Let me explain: Rachel arrived in January of our country’s bi-centennial year. She was born with Down Syndrome. On that day and the days, weeks, months and years shortly after her birth, I never dreamed I would have a day like the one we experienced this past February. Yet, that ordinary conversation on a blustery winter day was in reality a gift – a gift that was given by a bevy of people who with high expectations, dedication, skill and love (along with Rachel’s hard work), tilled and nurtured the soil and promoted the germination and blossoming of a meaningful life. One where joy is received and given, responsibility accepted, hard work rewarded and expectations are limited only by one’s imagination.

So now, when I think of the words in the mission statement, I think of what a dedicated, skilled group of professionals gave to my daughter and how they supported, worked with, advised and listened to what Rachel’s mom and dad wanted for her – a life with meaning and a chance to contribute. As parents - we do not want anything less than that for all of our children. As educators - we should not accept anything less as we work with all of our students everyday. We have the opportunity and challenge to fulfill our role in giving the greatest gift – a meaningful life.