Attending a weekday matinee of Won’t You Be My Neighbor, was supposed to be a nostalgic treat I indulged myself, in the waning days of my summer vacation.
Instead, it made me want to get back to school.
As a young girl, every day, just after lunch, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood broadcasted into my living room. I knew every character, every song and exactly when he would put on his sweater and change his shoes.
Mr. Rogers said things most parents didn’t say—and his parents didn’t allow. It wasn’t common to talk about feelings or emotions, but Mr. Rogers boldly told us they were ok—and we were ok. He tackled hard subjects and assured our little, worried minds–we were not alone.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor begins with footage of Mr. Rogers playing a piano and talking about “modulations”—the highs and lows, ups and down. He describes his job as “helping children through the modulations of life.”
This too, is my job.
Teachers have the rare opportunity to reach children like Mr. Rogers did. Bogged down in the daily grind, it’s easy to forget— but for me, an afternoon at the movies, and the familiar voice and wise words of Mr. Rogers, helped me remember.
I remember my student, adopted as a baby from Guatemala, who constantly felt like he didn’t fit in. He ran away for weeks at a time—seeking acceptance from boys who caused trouble. Returning every time more angry, defiant and sad.
“Love is at the root of everything, all learning, all relationships—love or the lack of it,” Mr. Rogers said.
I remember my student who faced his peers bravely each day in class, but in the privacy of my classroom, collapsed into deep, heavy sobs longing for a friend.
“I can honestly say, that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me,” said Mr. Rogers.
I remember days I’m so overwhelmed I can hardly breathe. I feel like I’m drowning and no matter how hard I work, I am never able to get caught up.
“I hope you’re proud of yourself for the times you’ve said ‘yes,’ when all it meant was extra work for you and was seemingly helpful only to somebody else,” Mr. Rogers said.
I remember days I am completely spent. When every drop of energy has been poured out and I am desperate for words of encouragement or motivation.
“From the time you were very little, you’ve had people who have smiled you into smiling, people who have talked you into talking, sung you into singing, loved you into loving,” Mr. Rogers said.
I also remember days that went well. When the lesson flowed and my students were engaged, my jokes were funny and my work was effortless.
“The best teacher in the world is someone who loves what he or she does and just loves it in front of you,” said Mr. Rogers.
I’m so thankful for Won’t You Be My Neighbor and its touching and heartwarming walk down memory lane. But I’m also thankful for the precious motivation and purpose it provided as I begin another school year.
Today’s children don’t have a television star helping them navigate life’s modulations.
But they’ve got us.
I’ve got to get to this movie now!!
Yes!! 🙂