Strikes are stressful for everyone. They take a toll. The uncertainty alone is tough for all involved. Small acts of kindness in extraordinary situations can make someone's day. And there have been so many! Students bring donuts and coffee to picket lines. People honk their horns. Pedestrians say nice things and offer words of encouragement. Some people reach out to shake a hand, embrace, or present hand-written notes. It all makes a difference and it is so appreciated.
The card in the picture above was given to a striking faculty member. It came with this message attached:
Just a note of appreciation and gratitude for all you do to spark curiousity, awareness and passion in those you teach. Your knowledge, expertise, time, drive, efforts, dedication and commitment are transformative and truly do light fires that will burn brightly, sparking more fires that will brighten futures and change lives.
It's meaningful in many ways. Most importantly, it offers thanks and encouragement to those working in a career that's honourable, a job they love.
That's why they're in classrooms, libraries and counselling offices. Except right now, they're not. They want to be back soon, offering quality education that makes fires burn brightly.