Runners Abel Mutai from Kenya and Ivan Fernandez of Spain (pictured above) were approaching the finish line of a long distance race. Mutai was only a few meters from the finish line of a long distance race, but he got confused with the different signs and stopped, thinking he had finished the race. Fernandez was right behind him and realizing what was going on, started shouting at the Kenyan runner to keep running. Mutai did not know Spanish and so did not understand the shouting. So Fernandez then pushed Mutai to the finish line so Mutai could win the race.

Later, a reporter asked Fernandez “Why did you do this? Why didn’t you take the opportunity to win the race?” Fernandez replied, “My dream is that one day we can have some sort of community life where we push ourselves and also others to win.”

The reporter insisted “But why did you let the Kenyan win?”

Fernandez replied, “I didn’t let him win, he was going to win. The race was his.”

Again, the reporter insisted and asked again “But you could have won!”

Fernandez looked at him and replied, “But what would be the merit of my victory? What would be the honor of this medal? What would my mother think of it? The values are transmitted from generation to generation. What values do we teach our children and how much do you inspire others? Most of us take advantage of people’s weaknesses instead of helping to strengthen them.”

So I ask you, what is YOUR role as we look to help our children finish their race?

How will you help to strengthen them, and lift them up to run the best race that they can?

What kind of community life are you helping us build?

We are stronger and more resilient, because this past year we all ran this challenging long- distance race together!

Now we can set our eyes forward, pushing each and every student toward a brighter future, helping them through the confusing signs of life, helping them to win their race.

That is why I kicked off the new school year, encouraging staff to think outside the box, and try everything... for the sake and love of each and every one of our students.

This brings me to our annual PUSD Back to School music video: every year I pick a song that will inspire us for the new school year. This year's song we picked is “Try Everything” by Shakira from the movie Zootopia.

The lyrics spoke to me because they really reflected what we experienced during the past and current year. Here are a few lines from the song:

“I keep falling down, I keep on hitting the ground, But I always get up now to see what's next...

Birds don't just fly, They fall down and get up, Nobody learns without getting it wrong...

I won't give up, no, I won't give in till I reach the end, and then I'll start again.

No, I won't leave, I want to try everything, I want to try, even though I could fail.”

I hope you enjoy our 2021 music video!

Lastly, I’ll leave you with a quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together!” Everyone needs an Ivan Fernandez, pushing us through the confusing signs along the way, and helping us to reach the finish line.

-Marian Kim Phelps, Ed.D.

SUPERINTENDENT

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