Back To School Brings Hope and Caution

As an educator, I am excited about returning to school. Most of the students, whether they admit it or not are also excited. However, with this excitement come worry about the financial situation many of them face at home. In our community many businesses have shut down, cut back, or are on the brink of closing. Part of me says the old addage, "Don't worry be happy" applies. On the other hand, we cannot blindly ignore the environment around us. I guess the most important thing for all of us to do is to try and embrace the history of it all. Teaching the Great Depression will be easier now that we have the "Great Recession" to compare it to.