Principal’s Message

Amazing Raider Families,

“Tell the story of the mountain you climbed. Your words could become a page in someone else’s survival guide.” ~Morgan Harper Nichols~

Last Friday, I had the awesome privilege of observing SOH students create communities with each other during the Breaking Down Barriers Assembly led by Mr. Joel Rodriguez and Mr. Omar Mercado. The gym was surrounded with posters that contained powerful statements; some were one-word poster, such as “RESPECT.” What stood out to me was, “It’s hard to hate someone when you know their stories.” Ironically, in this digital word where our words are often shared in social media, we have become more isolated than connected because we hide behind the exercising of texting, posting, or using emojis/bitmojis/gifs. We are losing the art of conversation, which connects us. In ancient civilizations, stories were often shared in communities, in order to be remembered by future generations. Families used to eat together and share their day with each other; now, families text each other even when they are at home together. When you converse with others, you see the words connnected with the emotions and the heart and soul of the person sharing; you don’t get that using digital communication. I felt connection when Ms. Zamora shared her personal experience with students at the assembly. I felt connection when I saw and heard students participating in games that united them. The only way to really know who we are is through conversation. Let’s make a commitment to talk to each other and hear each other’s stories. I believe that when we share our stories, we will encourage and uplift one another.

 

Easter Finley,

-Proud Southwest High School Principal