Together Zander Bloden

Together

I wake up one morning and see my mom stressed and wearing her Union Blue Shirt. I can't help but wonder Why? I ask her what's wrong and she says "It's week three of our work strike and I worry it's going to waste." But I'm hopeful anyway. I'm hopeful. I'm hopeful that we'll get through this tough time. I'm hopeful this strike is something we have to do as a unit, a community, a Union; she is absolutely right! The strike ended with a difficult vote, a vote that was given to purposely divide them and rip them apart like dividing a school of fish. But there was a way, a way to stay together, together as a unit. But it would take sacrifice, a big sacrifice. It was very difficult, but in the end, the sacrifice kept them TOGETHER! Together was the word. Together making that choice. Together taking that sacrifice. As Students we can learn. As this next generation we can learn. As a community, a country, a world even!

My friends, these last few years I’ve noticed a theme. Division. Hatred. And it’s so much easier said than done, I know! All my past and current teachers are right. Not just teachers, but parents, family. Being kind is so important. And if we want to be together, if we want to be a community— The next generation! That is the bare minimum, folks! The bare minimum. Just like my mom, I stay hopeful! Hopeful. So I ask every one of you: Just be kind and respectful because it really, really goes a long way. My Friends, this is just the beginning!

Zander Bloden, Grade 8 Northeast Middle School, Minneapolis Teaching Artist: Frank Sentwali