Nothing. Nothing happens. Nothing but violence, senseless acts of violence. Certainly no remedies and certainly nothing that makes us feel like we’re progressing as human beings. Someone gets shot in our hometown. Hamas invades Israel. Russia already invaded Ukraine. When is it going to stop? What will rise from the ashes to lift us up? What common day mustard seed must be sown that it grows big and strong so that its branches provide enough refuge for all the birds in our community? If it is not our educators and our mentors, then it will be no one.
People are mad at me for not writing about Oñate. “I really want to know what you have to say,” they tell me. At the same time, people are upset about what I do write. A friend of mine took issue with my criticism of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for using a health order to ban guns. He said the Governor’s only concern was to do SOMETHING about the surge in gun violence and that shouldn’t imply she wants to take away the 2nd Amendment. Maybe he is right. But my point is that the rhetoric that puts our Constitution at risk does more harm than good because it clouds the real issue. It fails to seek a path toward seriously advancing our civil society. It stops short of recognizing the complexity behind the fall of civil society- just like it would be wrong to take only one side of the Onate issue.
In the end you have to ask yourself: Do either of these discussions TRULY make a difference in our children? And why are we wasting time on them? Is fighting over Oñate improving the number of full time teachers in our schools or helping our kids read and become better human beings? Is making even the slightest threat of taking away someone’s right to bear arms going to help or make people even more angry?
If we are not advancing, where do we go from here? Oh yes. The mustard seed. From tiny beginnings we must expect great things. Last week at the United Way kickoff, program directors showcased the work that the Boys & Girls Club does to involve, nurture and mold local youth. The work Jay Abeyta and his team do makes all the difference to our young men and women. They are mighty and they have grown strong thanks to the mentorship provided by our local mustard seeds. Listening to their story ought to inspire everyone.
And when it comes to educators, none shows more resilience, strength and grace than Melissa Valencia. Ms. Valencia, a long-time educator and current Student Services Assistant Director at Tony E. Quintana Elementary, received the prestigious NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.
She is one of only 43 educators in the country to receive this award this year. According to the award letter, these educators are “recognized for their leadership, excellence in the classroom, family and community engagement, a commitment to equity and diversity, and advocacy for the teaching profession…” Of the potentially tens of thousands of nominees and millions of teachers throughout the United States, the very best of the best serves our community right here in Española. She champions our children and pushes for their excellence. As an educator, Ms. Valencia isn’t accustomed to receiving positive recognition. She’s used to being the one giving the recognitions, certificates, and awards. What a great way for the NEA Foundation to appreciate our very own mustard seed. In the words of Sara Sneed, president and CEO of the NEA Foundation, “These extraordinary awardees remind us that educators are the backbone of our communities and our democracy.”
Just when we think nothing will take over the world. Just when we think nothing will happen or we don’t have answers for how to make seemingly impossible situations better, we are reminded that great things start with a mustard seed. We can be a part of the solution. We MUST be a part of the solution. Be like the folks over at the Boys & Girls Club, or the United Way. Be like Melissa Valencia and teach, mentor, guide. Just be there for someone, and you’ll see. We can build branches big enough to house an entire flock of mustard planting children.
Javier Sánchez is the former mayor of the City of Española, NM, and the co-owner of La Cocina New Mexican Restaurant.