This June, I will have reached my ten year mark as a teacher, most of which have been at NSW. I can remember my introduction to NSW as if it was yesterday. I had just finished explaining to my ECE class what community represented to me when my professor retorted with, “I could see you working at NSW.” I had no idea what this place was so I did what I do whenever I am curious: I researched. At the time, my son, Noah, was an infant and I decided to sign up for a parent tour to get the inside scoop. I fell in love instantly. NSW is a magical place, full of warmth and sincerity. Long story short, I took a class with Roleen and one year later my family was invited to join the NSW family. Those were some of the hardest years of my life. But the entire NSW community held my hand as a loving family will do and helped me find my son the help that he needed to thrive. With the help of our village, we moved mountains. NSW inspired me to reach out to other struggling families and educators learning to live with neurodiversity and advocate for the rights of all children. As I reminisce, I am once again moved by the support, patience, and love that this school gives each member of its village. It is our home away from home.Which is why my news is bittersweet:
I have decided to follow my dream of founding a school and reaching out to the community on a bigger scale. What started off as joining my son as he began volunteer work as a young Maker with The Exploratory has turned into a whirlwind of learning opportunities for our family to work alongside other children, adults and educators through many public events around the city, educator workshops, birthday parties, Maker Scouts and more… phew!
In running these programs, we have come across many families and educators who have asked us to start an even earlier age program so that parents can be informed about the latest in brain research and for infants and toddlers to take part in play learning opportunities that maximize neuron connections. So, we launched our PeaPods Toddler and Me program. I have decided to embrace the opportunity to help found PeaPods SchoolHouse in Mar Vista with Jean Kaneko and Anne Dang. I am proud to announce that The Exploratory has also been selected as the Los Angeles host of the Maker Initiative and we will hire some of the MakerCorps graduates to work alongside us during summer camp. I am also proud to announce that I have accepted a seat on the Board of the Maker Scouts International. Starting June 17, I will work part time at NSW during the mornings and leave to work with The Exploratory in the afternoon. My final day at NSW will be June 28. As excited as I am to work on this next phase of my life’s journey, I am saddened by the idea of moving away from home.
Once again I am reminded of my favorite Rumi quote, “Walk out like someone suddenly born into color.” Every encounter I have had with each of you had shown me a new hue I never knew existed. With a world full of uncertainties and darkness, it is can be easy to lose yourself into the abyss. The light that your children resonate has filled my heart and nourished me. Every family I have encountered has taught me something new about this existence. Your children are my daily reminders of the constant beauty in this world. NSW is evidence of the power of this work. As I near the end this chapter and come to terms with the fact that I will not be here on a daily basis, I begin to take mental snap shots where I can catch myself looking and falling in love all over again. The teachers’ drive, the children’s capabilities, the love of each parent as they embrace their child and their willingness to collaborate as a community to prepare their children for an unknown future all leaves me breathless. I am blessed to have you as a part of me and take comfort in knowing you will continue to be. Please remember I am still here for you. Always. Thank you for sharing your hue. xoxoPaola
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