SUNDIAL 2021 | Page 8

A Message From Our Academic Leaders

Dr . Michael W . Adams & Mr . Sheldon Guenther
1 . Understand and accept that suffering happens . 2 . Keep in mind and accept that there are some things you can control and other things you can not . 3 . Ask yourself if a certain behavior or attitude is helping you ( or others ) or harming you ( or others ).
By keeping these features in mind , you will be better able to impact your life and that of others . For me personally , I have found that the 2nd feature mentioned above is something that really does provide for a balance in my life . This feature in particular reminds me to not overburden myself with issues , problems , and dilemmas that I have no control over so that I can focus on what is truly important and what will truly make a difference .
At this moment in time , we are all faced with concerns , uncertainty , fear and many questions that do not have easy answers . I wish I could share a magic answer or solution with all of you today , but for now all I can offer you is an invitation to strive for and maintain a resilient attitude and perspective at all times . The social , emotional and physical health of society may be in jeopardy right now , BUT you have the power and ability to make a difference . I encourage you to continue to participate in activities such as IMMUNS and all other activities that foster resilience , peace , inclusion and unity . Be an example for others at all times .
If our ASFM community , and everyone participating in this year ’ s IMMUNS simulation , can be the ones to show strong and smart leadership with what we do , how we behave and the decisions we make , it is more likely that other communities within our State and our country will do the same . We would all love to return to the “ normal ” we remember , but this requires effort and smart decisions . By making constant and wise sacrifices ( face coverings , hand washing , physical distancing , avoiding crowds ), we are sure to increase the likelihood of returning to school and returning to a “ new normal ” that allows for face-toface interactions and learning . I ask you to please make these healthy sacrifices for yourself , for your immediate family , for your grandparents , for your schools and for our greater community . The more we follow these guidelines today in a resilient manner , the more likely we will be able to transition to a “ new normal ” in the future and more importantly keep each other safe and healthy .
As IMMUNers , you are our leaders !! Thank you for making a difference ! Best wishes to all for a successful , united , and healthy IMMUNS 2021 .
In learning ,
Michael W . Adams , Ed . D . Superintendent
Hello IMMUNS leaders and participants !! Once again I am pleased to write a short message in this year ’ s SUNDIAL magazine . On this unique and unprecedented occasion during the Covid-19 pandemic , I would like to focus my words on the importance of resilience .
In October of 2020 , I participated in a two-part webinar with the co-founders of the Circulus Institute . During this webinar , I was reminded that resilience is a learned capacity and is something we do have control over . In the first part of the training I learned more about the following three features of resilience that can benefit our lives on a day to day basis :

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