By Julie Omer, MBA, CPA, CFO, MSBO Board President, Chief Financial Officer, Owosso Public Schools
Recently I read the book the Rent Collector by Camron Wright. For those of you that may not have had the opportunity to read the book, the story is about a young family that live in the Stung Meanchey dump in Cambodia. The book is largely based on a documentary called the River of Victory. The author takes the real-life events from the documentary and weaves in the question “how could introducing literacy” have the potential to change things in the balance of the life for this family? I would venture to guess that most of us take our own literacy, the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world, somewhat for granted. However, in education, we are faced with the incredible task of making a difference in student’s lives by ensuring that they gain their own literary skills. As school business officials, that means making sure that resources are allocated to programs promoting literacy, buses get students to school to get the lessons, the facilities are conducive for learning, qualified personnel are employed and paid to teach literacy skills, and students receive proper nutrition to help students be prepared to learn.
I know that the power of literacy is not a revelation to you but the book reminded me in many ways that words really do matter and make a difference. Taking a quote from the book “Words provide a voice to our deepest feelings…words have started and stopped wars. Words have built and lost fortunes. Words have saved and taken lives. Words have won and lost great kingdoms. Even Buddha said, “Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care, for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.” The story line also reminded me of the power of the word “enough” vs. “more.” This family found “enough” living in an environment that most of us would find intolerable. This is especially striking to me as we move into the time of the year when we are constantly bombarded with messages that “more is better.”
Using my takeaway lessons from this book, I want to use my words to genuinely express to all of you the hope that your holiday season brings you peace, joy, an attitude of gratitude for having “enough” and finds you choosing your words a little more carefully. Thank you for making a difference.
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- Baby Steps – Julie Williams-Muz
- Get the Information You Need on the MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show
- MSBO Awards and Scholarships
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- Professional Development Opportunities in the New Year
- Spotlight on MSBO
- Start the Year Right with MSBO’s 2023 Financial Strategies Conference
- Welcome New Members