Hey John,
I'm beyond excited to share that the Washington Post just published an open letter I wrote to all the students going back to school right now!
A school principal turned U.S. legislator has a message for students
September 4, 2023
In it, I shared some of my personal experiences and challenges that I still remember from my time as a young student myself. I struggled with depression, got made fun of, had fights with my friends. School can be hard, for sure. But with the right mentors and resources, all students can thrive.
That's why in my letter, I made an offer that I stand by 100%: Any student in the country -- not just those in my district -- can use my office as a resource for any guidance they need.
For real, if you have a student in your life, tell them to give my office a call. My team and I would love to hear from them, give a pep talk, point them in the right direction, anything we can to make sure they're happy and healthy in school.
Read and share my open letter with as many people as possible!
Peace and love,
Jamaal
P.S. In case you get hit with a paywall, here's the full text of my letter:
Dear Students,
Welcome back! I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones in good health and good spirits, and that your summer was enjoyable with time to rest and rejuvenate. As you return to school this fall I know you are filled with many powerful emotions: excitement, anxiety, joy, and frustration are all normal and understandable. Balancing these emotions and channeling them in the right direction will be critical to your well being, happiness, and success this school year.
As the school year begins I want to remind you to always seek out trusted adults and peers who will provide the support you need to deal with all the decisions you have to make. Life can sometimes feel lonely and even helpless, but I promise you there is always someone available to support you.
I want to personally offer my office and myself as a resource for you. I am an educator and a Congressman, and I worked in public schools with kids for over twenty years. I worked in an elementary, middle, and high school, and serving children is what I have dedicated my life to. I also remember clearly what it was like to be a student and the power and importance of friendships. My friends were everything to me and I wouldn't have survived school without them. Making friends was sometimes hard, and my friends and I ain't always get along. I went through times of deep sadness and depression, and what helped me was talking to a favorite teacher or counselor or participating in sports, theater, and the arts.
Unfortunately, there will be times when people will say and do mean things. I beg you not to internalize those things. Their meanness is about them. Not you. Instead, seek out and embrace the joy and positivity that is abundant around you.
School and the world can feel like an overwhelming space that moves too fast. Trust me, I know. Always remember to move at your own pace, find your voice, space, and be yourself. That makes it easier to find and follow your passions however "weird" or different they may be, and to find the courage to express yourself in the healthiest of ways.
When times got tough for me I would explore new books, write in a journal, and seek out my favorite teacher or counselor. When you do this, it helps to keep you and everyone safe while making the school experience as enjoyable as possible.
School is hard, from homework to relationships, but it can be enjoyable for everyone. I ask you to trust this advice and all the positive resources that are out there for you. No matter the challenges, there is always a powerful solution that can help move you and all of us forward. You are not alone. No matter how dark things can feel and be, there is always a light somewhere. Let us work together and help each other continue to move toward the light and beauty the world has to offer. We are and will remain here for you and each other.
Have an amazing first day of school and school year!
Peace and love! ✌🏿🫶🏿
Congressman JB |
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