Does wishing have power? Is there danger in wishing? Are some wishes more worthy than others? And what about the ancient link between suffering and desire?
Recently we had an education party at my house. The room was filled with high school students, activists, graduate students, policy makers, academics, deans of education, teachers, writers, and administrators. At the end of the party we asked folks to make a wish for American education.
Here are some of their wishes, from the bowl of wishes they created…
“I wish that schools will embrace the arts, creativity, and alternative models.”
“My wish is that we leave the punitive/threatening language of a Nation at Risk, NCLB behind and become a Nation Inspired by activist organizations in education.”
“I wish government will organize large-scale conferences to pull together the multiple NPOs to share objectives.”
“Compassion.”
“That students experience joy in school.”
“My wish is for better school systems all over. There needs to be a change not just in MCAS but in all aspects.”
“I wish for a day where students can feel that their voices are heard and they have an influence. Also that all students have a mentor to support them and encourage them.”
“My wish is that every child in our country experiences the opportunity to think, problem- solve and innovate.”
“I wish that we mend the broken relationships in our communities, in our schools, and in our homes. That we work to build relationships of care and respect between young people, their parents, and educators.”
“I wish all students would feel valued and connected in school.”
What does it unleash to wish? What does wishing clarify?
What’s your wish?
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