What Are You Dedicated To?

“I admire your dedication!” a passing neighbor said as he drove by me on my morning run recently. For almost every day for the past 23 years, a morning run has been a part of my routine. Some call it dedication, while others consider it an obsession. I don’t plan to stop anytime soon, despite what others think. The same could be said for my advocacy for children and education, though that goes back further than 23 years. 

For as long as I can remember, I have been passionate about nurturing and teaching children. In recent years, my dedication has become an obsession because I have never seen children at greater risk or education so lacking as it is now. The parallels between my journey as a runner and education advocate are striking, and I am thankful for all I have learned through running that is helping me in the race I currently find myself in. 

I didn’t start my running career to compete in races or set personal bests. I did it simply because I saw the physical benefits, enjoyed the sport, and valued what it brought to my life. Over time, as I met other more experienced runners, heard about their accomplishments, and saw what was possible, I became more focused on improving my efficiency and skill. 

Similarly, I did not set out to reform education or boldly advocate for children. I liked teaching, knew the benefits of a good education, and loved watching children learn and grow. Through the years, I’ve witnessed the quality and rigor of education drastically decline and spoken with frustrated parents and exasperated educators about the realities of the classroom. I knew I had to hone my advocacy skills and speak up more effectively for the students who would suffer. 

The 23 years I’ve spent lacing up my running shoes most mornings have cultivated the necessary virtues of perseverance, determination, and self-discipline, which have served me well as I navigate the challenging and often frustrating world of education reform. I have run through pregnancies and postpartum sleep deprivation. I’ve faced record-breaking frigid temperatures that left me with icicles on my eyelashes and heat waves that forced me to stop at the local fire station for a water break. When my children were young, I often rose early enough to get my long runs of 10 to 12 miles in before getting home to prepare them for school; this was especially the case if my husband was out of town, as he frequently was. I had plenty of reasons to quit running, just as I’ve had many reasons to quit my advocacy.

Since finding my voice as an advocate for children and education, I have had friends and family members stop speaking to me. I have been condescended to and insulted by school board members and other school leaders when I expressed the concerns that I and other parents had about the current state of education. I have been shouted down and heckled at school board meetings because I had the nerve to share the pitiful literacy rates in my district. And, of course, I’ve been called racist and misogynistic because, well, those are just convenient labels to put on people you want to disparage but have nothing solid to say against them. Just as the obstacles I faced throughout my running career haven’t slowed me down, neither will those who seek to silence me about this vital issue.

There have been enough high points and small victories along the way, both in running and advocacy work, to provide encouragement and remind me that my perseverance will pay off. I have a few special medals and trophies that are particularly motivating when I feel like skipping a run. My Boston Marathon bib reminds me of my most outstanding running achievement and how dedication pays off. 

Over the past four years, I’ve met parents, teachers, community leaders, and fellow advocates who are part of a rapidly growing network of like-minded individuals seeking to restore education and do what’s best for children. They are the motivators and encouragers when the work feels heavy, and the goal feels impossible. This past year, I was honored to testify in front of Congress on behalf of parents and students negatively impacted by school closures. That is my advocacy work’s “Boston Marathon moment” so far. 

As someone who knows firsthand the benefits of running, I always encourage others to take good care of themselves and find some form of exercise to keep them healthy. Often, when I suggest people take up running, they tell me all the reasons why they can’t. It’s beautiful when the excuses are dismissed, and those same people get their first medal from a 5k or half marathon. The pride and confidence they gain, as well as the improved health, is fantastic to see. 

I’ve met so many frustrated parents who don’t know what to say or where to start when it comes to ensuring their children have the best education. I am empathetic to their situation and am happy to offer whatever help I can. Watching other parents who were once afraid to speak up and advocate on behalf of their children find their voice and discover their strength is beyond amazing. 

Dedicating time to my health has provided me with the physical and mental strength and stamina necessary to raise my children well and help other parents advocate effectively for theirs. So, what are you dedicated to? What are you willing to sacrifice time, energy, and resources for to make a difference in your life and the lives of others? It’s time to do more than complain about the current situation (in your personal life or the world) and start making a difference. Dedicate your time, talent, and treasure wisely.