Nations

Happy Thursday!

This past winter both of my kids were playing basketball on real teams in our Mount Mansfield School District.  Sebastian was playing at the 3/4 level and Breccan was playing at the 1/2 level, and I was coaching at both levels, so we were starting to feel pretty connected to MMU basketball.  Add to this that my nephew was on the varsity basketball team at MMU and it felt like we were at the high school gym a lot watching both the boys and girls teams play.  We really started to think of ourselves as a small part of the Cougar Nation.  

Fast forward to this past week, when my same nephew ran into health complications, my sister wrote something thanking all the people in Cougar Nation for supporting them as a family.  It got me thinking about the many "nations" that we are a part of.  These are the groups of people that we are connected to.  Those which support us and encourage us, and those from which we draw pride and can claim ownership.  Having "nations" is extremely important.  

One of the most important things we need when we are born is connection.  Babies - both humans and animals - will not survive without connection to early caregivers.  As we grow we take steps towards independence and move away from our caregivers, but we maintain a need for connections throughout our lives.  In Maslow's hierarchy of needs, belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization are at the top of the pyramid after needs like food, water, shelter, and safety.    

This diagram shows what humans need in order to be emotionally well throughout their lives.  At the top, it shows that we need relationships and friends, a sense of accomplishment, and creative activities and a sense of achievement to be emotionally well and balanced individuals.  This brings me back to the idea of "nations."  Today I want you to think about all of the "nations" you are a part of.  

When you start to think about it, I hope that you are part of a number of "nations."  Family and school, for sure, but others could include religious communities, community organizations or clubs like scouting or capital soccer, or communities that your parents/guardians are connected to that you might be by defacto connected to like the WFD or Coffee Roasters.  The number of "nations" that you are a part of will likely grow as you get older.   Some "nations" will stick with you your whole life, while others will come and go.  Some "nations" are ones that you might not actively participate in, but which mean a lot to you, so you keep a part of them in your heart. 

Here is an example of my "nations."

I have two Cougar Nations: 

Crossett Brook, which includes the teachers I work with and the students I mentor, 

and  

Mount Mansfield Cougar nation which for me is in its infancy as my kids have begun participating in sports and other school-related activities.   

My family nation - both immediate - my spouse and kids, and extended - parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins, and aunts & uncles.  

My alumni nations - Rice High School and St. Michael's College, which are both huge parts of my past.  

My friend nation - those that I have met in the past and have long-lasting friendships with, those that I interact with now, and those friends that I am just beginning to know.  

My school counseling nation  -  those I work with in the HUUSD nation, and those I connect with in social and in-person group settings. 

All of these "nations" have importance and value.  They give me a feeling of belonging and a sense of identity and they help anchor me in this place and time.  Your "nations" do the same for you.  If you are counting up your "nations,"  and you feel like you need more, think about how to create more connections.  Sometimes it's just about showing up.  Think about something you are interested in and don't be shy about showing up and getting involved.  Ask questions, volunteer, share your story, listen to someone else's story, or get to work.  Connections to new "nations" only happen when you put energy into them, so I hope you will spend some time today thinking about your nations and deciding whether you have enough or need more.  

If you need more, and you need support in finding them, please don't hesitate to reach out.  I am happy you figure out how to grow your "nations." 

Be well, everyone!

Mrs. Hempey