Today is National Wear Red, which is meant to raise awareness of heart disease in women. After donning my bright, satiny red shirt this morning, I decided to take stock of how many others were sporting the vibrant hue and what it might say about each of us. As I walked through the day, I noticed only a few women at Skyline dressed in red. Most wore the school colors (Friday = spirit day), but many wore neither, which seemed to make those of us decked in scarlet all the more noticeable - bright cardinals (yes, I know the males are red) against a sea of oh-so-average-looking pigeons (or perhaps flaming ships upon a dark, stormy sea, or one of a hundred other metaphors denoting our stark contrast).
In addition, I noticed those who chose red today carried themselves with assurance and strength as they made their way through throngs of students. Many of these women project themselves in this manner every other day, as well. For example, our community liaison officer is in her late 70's and is a cancer survivor. She comes to school every day to help our kids who struggle with terrible family situations, to communicate with non-English speaking parents, and to run English language learner tutoring sessions during study hall. Here is a woman who is well-known, well-loved, and well-respected by faculty and kids alike; a woman who serves as a role-model even to veteran teachers. Another woman dressed in red today was our principal's secretary. She, like our liaison lady, works behind the scenes but is vital to our school. Every good teacher knows that if something needs to be done, the most expedient route is through the boss's secretary, who juggles paperwork for budget, supplies, paychecks, substitutes, conferences, calendars, and a million other tasks (not the least of which is knowing where the boss is at any given time). Though the work is never-ending and frequently exhausting, she comes to school every day with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she meets.
The quiet strength of these women, and many others with whom I work, is a testament to the strength of women in general. Thus, wearing red today is fitting on many levels beyond the obvious connection of hearts and blood. Red has been a symbol of power for centuries. For example, in medieval Europe, only kings, judges, cardinals, and executioners (who held power over life and death) wore red. Angels attending Christ's birth are often depicted in red robes. The color has the physical effects of increasing respiration and blood pressure in viewers - igniting their passions, if you will. Ultimately, red symbolizes an untamed spirit and vitality which strong women use to make this world a better place. I thank you - each of you - for showing up to life every day and giving it everything you have, no matter what color you're wearing.
In addition, I noticed those who chose red today carried themselves with assurance and strength as they made their way through throngs of students. Many of these women project themselves in this manner every other day, as well. For example, our community liaison officer is in her late 70's and is a cancer survivor. She comes to school every day to help our kids who struggle with terrible family situations, to communicate with non-English speaking parents, and to run English language learner tutoring sessions during study hall. Here is a woman who is well-known, well-loved, and well-respected by faculty and kids alike; a woman who serves as a role-model even to veteran teachers. Another woman dressed in red today was our principal's secretary. She, like our liaison lady, works behind the scenes but is vital to our school. Every good teacher knows that if something needs to be done, the most expedient route is through the boss's secretary, who juggles paperwork for budget, supplies, paychecks, substitutes, conferences, calendars, and a million other tasks (not the least of which is knowing where the boss is at any given time). Though the work is never-ending and frequently exhausting, she comes to school every day with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she meets.
The quiet strength of these women, and many others with whom I work, is a testament to the strength of women in general. Thus, wearing red today is fitting on many levels beyond the obvious connection of hearts and blood. Red has been a symbol of power for centuries. For example, in medieval Europe, only kings, judges, cardinals, and executioners (who held power over life and death) wore red. Angels attending Christ's birth are often depicted in red robes. The color has the physical effects of increasing respiration and blood pressure in viewers - igniting their passions, if you will. Ultimately, red symbolizes an untamed spirit and vitality which strong women use to make this world a better place. I thank you - each of you - for showing up to life every day and giving it everything you have, no matter what color you're wearing.
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