This week, amidst snorkeling in Hawaii, I vividly remember sliding off a raft boat into the most mesmerizing, bluest crystal-clear ocean I have ever seen. Although a ladder was there, I chose to plunge into the water without its support, cherishing the sense of independence at that moment.

Discovering Hidden Treasures

I’ll never take for granted that this was a rare opportunity to disconnect from reality and witness a world many may never get to see, filled with the intricate beauty of colorful coral, magnificent winding caves, and the tranquil dance of exotic fish moving harmoniously together.

As I studied the different sizes of coral and its nooks and crevices, if I looked long enough, a beautiful surprise of exotic fish and underwater sea life would emerge. I realized that my patience and the ability to observe one area for an extended period of time allowed me to savor the surprises I would have never seen had I chosen to look away. Could this patience and willingness to slow down and immerse oneself in the moment reveal hidden treasures of hope beyond an initial glance?

Hidden Moments

These hidden moments reminded me of the treasures of magnificence and hope that exist within the crevices of our schools. There is beauty in knowing that although the external is easily visible, everything truly significant happens beneath the surface. 

Just before winter break, I stepped into an unfamiliar 2nd-grade classroom. I wondered, why hadn’t I slowed down to see it before? The teacher greeted me warmly, “We’re excited to share our writing. We have some real experts here.”The sea of smiling students eagerly raised their hands, resembling schools of fish swimming in harmony. Among their responses, one stood out: “I’m writing about snorkeling, Mrs. Kaufman. There’s so much to see underwater. There are so many wonderful surprises.” “I love surprises and would love to know more—I might get that chance this week,” I replied. With that, I walked away, reminded that sometimes I need to slow down, because if I look in the same place long enough without looking away, unexpected goodness awaits. There is so much hope that flourishes in moments created by those swimming in our very own seas.

Beneath the Surface

When I surfaced from the crystal blue waters, that encounter with the student stayed with me. It struck me—I must share what I witnessed with that young writer. Those underwater moments served as a poignant reminder of the untapped potential concealed beneath the surface of our school interactions. Exploring the captivating underwater world parallels the seemingly unnoticed intricacies present in our everyday school life.

Returning to the present moment, I stared back at the boat and wondered how I’d return. Climbing back inside didn’t appear as effortless as sliding off with ease into crystal blue waters. Then, I saw the captain extending a ladder. A reminder that when you look in one area long enough without looking away there can be surprise exchanges and gestures from others that will resonate beneath the surface.

Beyond the Surface

Just as in snorkeling, where beauty thrives in the hidden spaces, within our educational ecosystems, there exists unexpected interactions that can propel you forward. As you head into the new year, go beyond the surface, I promise you, hope, beauty, and connection is waiting. You never know what surprises you will see.