“Rescue Mission”

Dear Teacher,

While doing a deep-ocean dive one day, a diver had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  Although he had encountered sea lions in past dives, he was met that day with an exceptional one that showed particular interest in him.  The sea lion acted very concerned for the diver, placing its paws and fins on his head and pulling his dive mask upward.  The diver, not understanding the sea lion's intense efforts, swam deeper.

Undetermined, the sea lion left and returned with a partner. Together, they struggled to "save" the diver, attempting to pull him to the surface.  Still thinking he was trapped at the bottom of the sea, the first sea lion swam off and returned with a herd of others, finally hauling him to the ocean's surface.  It was only after he reached "safety" that the heroic sea lion swam away contentedly.

And you, teacher, there in your classroom do the same for students.  You show intense interest in them, noting areas of risk and ways they may potentially "drown" (academically, socially, and emotionally).  You source all your tools and exert great effort to bring the student to the surface -- whether it be grade-level performance or developmentally appropriate behaviors.  When more help is needed, you gather fellow teachers, superintendents, and community agencies in your resuce efforts.  It is only after your student reaches academic, social, and emotional "safety" that you are content.

Thank you for being heroic and diving deep for students!

Tugging upward with you,
Mindy Salyers
Christian School Counselor