Let’s invest time in our children

I know the teens who damaged Snohomish High School did a terrible thing. They also do not represent the community or other youth. Many teens are simply amazing.

I’m all about holding people accountable for their actions, so I do not want to be misunderstood here. But I feel that the whole community gets to participate in the creation of our youth. Dr. Embry was here in Everett and reminded us of our opportunities to impact lives besides our own.

Here is what I bring to you, the reader. Imagine packing a suitcase for your child(ren). What do you want them to carry in their suitcase for their spirits, skills, behavior and well-being for the rest of their lives? Perhaps integrity, compassion, ambition, wisdom, kindness, health, etc. Well, what do you want in the suitcases of their friends, or classmates? I want the same amazing set of tools in those young people’s suitcases, don’t you?

I know I am doing my best as a parent and so are you. But I may overlook packing a tool and count on you to pack it for my child. I hope to have the pleasure of packing tools in your child’s suitcase too. We are in this together.

Will you join me in Being the Change in the lives of one another? It really is simple — learn names, see them doing great things and tell them thank you. Encourage them to do better when they are settling for less than they deserve. Mentor someone and let them mentor you…

Teena Ellison
Everett