Purple Rain
If you are from my generation (grew up in the 80’s) Prince provided a soundtrack for your childhood. The list of songs is extensive and the memories they conjure are cherished. My parents didn’t permit me to watch Purple Rain, but of course I did anyway at a friend’s house on a VHS recorder (that’s what typical teens do, their own thing, ignoring their parents’ instructions). I loved the movie but loved the soundtrack even more. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to see him in concert as an adult. I belted out every song, as it took me back to a freer, happy time in my young life. I, like millions of others, was heartbroken when he passed away. I mourned for days, watching Purple Rain and his music videos over and over. So, you can imagine the anticipation I felt when my best friend and I were able to finally, after all the years, tour Paisley Park, his home and studio. It was all I hoped it would be and then some. Besides the nostalgia, seeing his outfits from his movies and videos, the motorcycle from Purple Rain and the awards (Oscar, Grammys, etc.) along with so many other sacred items, I loved the energy in the space. You could feel love, passion, respect, warmth, acceptance, and creativity. Even with 20 other strangers on the tour, there was a sense of unity. We were there with one purpose, to honor the life of someone who had impacted us.
Immediately after I returned from my visit to Paisley Park, I attended a state-wide conference. I was able to reconnect with numerous school leaders. Some I’ve known for years and hadn’t seen for an extended period of time (before COVID) and others who are newer relationships for me. It was fun and energizing to catch up with so many people who I’ve worked with in various capacities over the course of my career. We shared memories of different projects we’d done together, around school climate or social emotional learning or student mental health. The connection and camaraderie was palpable. I believe that happens when people put their heart into their work and into one another. We want the same things, to ensure young people’s academic success in hopes of a better world for them and those that follow.
While it is a known fact that educators are burning out, drained by the challenges that face them in the classroom and the expectations placed on them by those in power and then topped off by political and parental perspectives that may not be fully founded, there is still a firm commitment to continue to make a difference for students. I felt that at this statewide event. A room full of 500-ish adults proved that. I loved the energy in that space too. Strangers (not everyone there knew each other) were also together with one purpose, to make an impact. During the days long event, you could feel love, passion, respect, warmth, acceptance and creativity here too. There was laughter and heartfelt conversations, networking and resource sharing. People pulling for each other and sharing tips and tricks. That is one of my favorite things about the field of education is the willingness to exchange ideas, successes, templates and tools with one another. I love the collegiality of this profession. Everyone (even those of differing political views) wants the same thing-safe and supportive learning environments. (I would like to note that I realized this week that blue and red make purple-for what that’s worth)
So, by now, your school year is humming along, and the newness is beginning to wane. I hope that as you start to feel tired, worn down by the daily “crazy”, you realize you are not alone. We are in this together. There are many others who can relate and want to offer support. We need each other now like never before. I believe it is encouraging to know we are in good company as we mourn a loss and honor a life. And to remember we are in good company as we work hard to improve conditions for learning for young people. Look around you, you have a choir beside you, people who stand for the same things you do and want the same things. Maybe together we can sing “Purple Rain, I only wanted to see you laughing in the Purple Rain”.