You Can Sit With Me

Dear Teacher,  
 

Pancake Chef is an unassuming breakfast joint in Seatac, Washington along the Pacific Highway.  A mom-and-pop local restaurant, the booths offer more that morning eats at a cheap price.  A go-to for travelers freshly deplaned from red-eyes, suitcases litter the restaurant and hot meals offer comfort for weary travelers.  Yet, whether you're a first-timer passing through or a regular customer, "You feel like you're a part of a family -- like you're joining a group," one longterm pancake patron said.

Because the restaurant draws 'frequent flyers,' friendships have formed as a result.  Often people will notice others across the restaurant and strike up a conversation.  Over eggs and bacon, breakfast buddies develop that last a lifetime.  Case in point: Ella and Fred, who ate regularly at separate tables until they decided to combine for the sake of table space.  The result?  25 years of friendship over food.  Over the years they've added people to the group, noticing and inviting others who used to sit alone.  Now, every day, Pancake Chef is graced by a group that includes others...and never lets anyone sit alone.

And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, have the opportunity to create a place that never lets anyone sit alone.  You teach students to notice others that may feel left out.  You guide them to perspective-take, value diversity, and strike up conversations.  You instill lessons that will last a lifetime: Compassion, cultural appreciation, and equality over fairness.  You turn the tables on you're-not-like-me thinking to you-can-sit-with-me action.  You create an environment where students can feel like "you're a part of a family, and that you're joining a group," paving the way for a lifetime of beautiful friendships.

Thanks for teaching inclusivity!
Mindy

Christian Educator & School Counselor