“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members,” Coretta Scott King said.
As we look toward a future where COVID-19 no longer troubles our community, where students are free to roam around in a learning environment that is no longer a threat to the health of unvaccinated immuno-compromised individuals, we cannot help but recognize that it really does take the entire community to make a difference. At Madera Unified, our first priority has always been the health and safety of our students, staff and community. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our efforts have always been to help mitigate the spread of this disease. We closed schools down for what felt like much too long only to open up schools again and have to send students home who test positive for COVID-19. Our goal is for all students to have the opportunity to attend school in person full-time. The use of PPE and face coverings can only do so much in places where many children reside. This is why we are calling upon our community to encourage one another to get vaccinated.
What is compassion? Compassion means suffering together. When we feel and understand the distress that this pandemic has caused in our community, compassion evokes courage and wisdom, and motivates us to relieve that suffering. It motivates us to take action, to be kind to one another, and to support each other during a time of need. Compassion leads to a feeling of personal responsibility to do what is best for the community as a whole. As a community that believes in education, we understand the importance of getting our community vaccinated. We also respect people’s concerns for getting vaccinated and understand if the decision is made to do it, it is because of a selfless love for others, or Agape love. Agape love is considered the highest form of love someone can demonstrate. Agape love is unconcerned with the self and concerned for the greatest good for others.
By now, the community of Madera has lost several lives due to this virus. It is not too late for anyone hesitating to jump on board and help their community by demonstrating compassion and agape love. The Madera County Department of Public Health continues to provide vaccinations clinics across the county. Let’s do everything in our power to stop the spread. We believe as Coretta Scott King stated that the greatness of our community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. If eligible, get vaccinated.
–Star Cortez, Deputy Editor
