This week, I learned a vital leadership lesson: rally your supporters not only in times of need but regularly—and always take the time to thank them. Leadership thrives on collaboration and the shared commitment to equitable education.

During Week 1, I received some impactful feedback that truly made me reflect. One of our school’s guidance counselors praised me for remaining calm and composed during a challenging situation. We had planned a town hall event in the library, but when we arrived, the library was occupied. As a result, seventy-five middle schoolers were lined up in the hallway, waiting and creating quite a bit of noise. Despite the chaos, I reassured a staff member that we would find a solution, which helped to swiftly address the situation. The guidance counselor noticed this and appreciated how I handled it, highlighting the importance of maintaining a steady demeanor in the face of adversity.