Big kid, little kid, big kid, little kid…

From within or from behind, a light shines through us upon things, and makes us aware that we are nothing, but the light is all. --Ralph Waldo Emerson 

They are lined up along the field, more than 600 children in total. It is Buddy Day at Trinity School, an event that began indoors with the “big kids” (2nd through 6th grade) helping the “little kids” (three year olds through 1st grade) write letters to troops serving overseas. Now they have physical challenges to overcome together, and the field is radiating energy far beyond the light of the bright morning sun.

The big kids own their responsibility with notable pride and aplomb; they are clearly aware and empowered by the knowledge that the little kids are looking up with eyes of wonder and adoration. The little kids respond with unreserved joy knowing a big kid has taken their hand and is showing them the way as if nothing else matters but their success in that moment.

This morning, each child is simultaneously teacher and student; empathy, role-modeling, patience, and team-work are just a few of the skills covered in this lesson. The reciprocity of the learning creates a palpable life-force before my eyes, a natural resource produced by human capital alone. It is an energy that we must work to harness more intentionally, knowing that our students benefit so greatly from its light.

Today I learned that when we provide the opportunity for our young teacher/students to engage each other, all that is left is to step back and bask in the glow.

About the author: Kimbrell Teegarden is a mom, a wife, a school counselor, a Presbyterian minister, and a teacher or a student, depending on the moment.