August’s North Dakota Living is our back-to-school issue. While I do not enjoy the sign summer is ending, let me take this opportunity to express gratitude to educators, administrators, aides, coaches, bus drivers, cooks, janitorial staff, support staff, parents and public safety professionals. As they say, it takes a village to ensure students are provided an opportunity to learn, feel safe and be supported.
My 13-year-old son recently asked, “Dad, why is it the occupations or jobs that can make the biggest difference in the world seem like they are paid the least?” There was a silent pause, then I shared the quick, knee-jerk answer, “Well, that’s just how it is.”
Unfortunately, his look signaled my answer wasn’t good enough. I went on to explain how value is not always aligned with what is deserved, and that is why we need to be thankful for and support those who commit to doing what they do to help others.
One way to do that is by showing respect.
I have friends who work in the school system, as I’m sure you do. Their level of commitment – the hours and dedication they put into their work and students – is second to none.
Showing gratitude, lending grace and offering support goes a long way when dealing with the day-to-day challenges often present in schools. There is no perfect school, no perfect teacher, student or parent. This is good to keep in mind, as too often perfection is expected.
Transitioning from summer to a new routine, a new schedule and perhaps new rules challenges everyone. You can read about one of the new rules regarding student cellphone use here.
I’m sure opinions run the gamut, depending on who you ask. I’ll spare you from mine. But I do encourage patience as it plays out this school year. There are smart people and students in our schools who have firsthand experience. They know what might work and what might not.
Kids get a bad rap for cellphone overuse. I often harp on my own children, as we attempt to limit screentime in our home. But it was humbling to check my own screentime and realize how the hours compound in a week. That darn device in our pocket connects us to technology, social media and an onslaught of information, influencers, podcasts and you name it. Though a useful tool, it can zap our time and attention – and it does not discriminate based on age.
What is our time and attention worth? A lot.
Whether at school, work, home or somewhere in-between, student, teacher or parent, I bet we’d all be surprised to see what can be accomplished by putting the devices aside and reclaiming our most valuable asset – our time and attention.
Will you find a new passion project or hobby? Make time for exercise? Learn something new? Simply rest? Spend quality time with family and friends? Or give someone your undivided attention?
Maybe the value we place on our cellphones isn’t what we deserve.
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Josh Kramer, editor-in-chief of North Dakota Living, is executive vice president and general manager of NDAREC. Contact him at jkramer@ndarec.com.
