In the past few weeks, my Facebook feed has been filled with the worries and concerns of students and parents alike over recent decisions made by our school board. Parents are appalled that kindergarten will only be offered in half-day classes this coming school year in an effort to cut costs. Many have valid concerns. For parents with full time jobs, it can be a struggle to find transportation for their young children. Extra daycare can be an added expense, and can be hard on a child. I am no parent, so I do not have an opinion to give. However, one image has shaped my view on the issues facing our children as a whole.
His name is Omran Daqneesh. He is a five year-old boy, the same age as many children that will be heading off to kindergarten for the very first time this fall. However, his fate is very different. Omran is from the war-torn Syrian city of Aleppo. He was rescued from the rubble of a building that was hit by an airstrike. The image of him sitting in the ambulance, dazed, has troubled the hearts of people around the world. Here is a boy that has survived something so terrible, but he is still a boy. He is still young and innocent. The only difference between this child and your child is the circumstances he was born into. And in these circumstances, he is considered to be a lucky one. Five other children died in that airstrike.
This story is not unique. For many of the people of Syria, this is a daily reality. When the United States government proposed the acceptance of Syrian refugees earlier this year, many people protested. For some, it was out of fear. For others, it was a result of misconceptions. But by protesting, we are turning our backs on those in need. People with real struggles, and stories that deserve to be told. People not so different from us. Omran may be the new face of the war-torn country, but it is important to remember that he is not the only face.
Every person faces their own individual struggles, and handles them in different ways. The problems of one person do not diminish the problems of another. However, it is important not to get caught up in the small things. Take time out of your daily routine to be thankful for what you have. It is extremely frustrating and inconvenient that the school district is taking extreme measures to save money. That cannot be denied. But before getting worked up, take time to be thankful that your child has a safe place to receive a good education. To many people in the world, that would be a luxury that their child may never see.
When looking at the picture of Omran, do not forget the other children that are experiencing the same hardships. They will grow up to lose that innocence, and it will be replaced by fear. Be thankful that this is not your life. As you tuck your child into bed tonight, be thankful that they are safely curled up under warm blankets, and not wrapped in a blanket in the back of an ambulance.
