Environments

A colleague recently shared a quote with me: ”You are a representation of the top 5–10 people you spend the most time with.” It was an interesting sentiment, especially as I pondered thoughts around environment and the things I need and use to set myself, my colleagues, and my students up for success. As a young person, I walked in and out of a lot of different types of environments. Sometimes my environment was loud and vibrant like the family parties and barbeques with blaring music I loved, and sometimes it was on stage with an orchestra. Some of those environments were directly intended to support my success, and while some weren’t created for that purpose, they supported me no less.

My parents created an environment of excellence for me. No matter what was going on, they held me to high standards. If I got an A-, I was asked why it wasn’t an A. If I was first trumpet, but not principal, I was asked why (don’t hate me, I know this is too on the nose for a trumpet player to write!). Some of the classrooms I stepped into held supportive environments, while others stuck to strict rules, focused on ensuring I knew how to obey rather than create. The thing I can say about the environments that I felt drawn to, that I thrived in, is that they were filled with people who showed their love for me. Whether it was my grandfather who showed me love by forcing me to sit down and memorize the parts of a computer (he was convinced one of his grandkids needed to learn about and build computers—he was right), or my mom telling me there was no excuse for anything less than 100%, or my teachers who told me they believed in me: every one of the environments I leaned into were held together by love.

I hold a lot of privilege getting to work for an organization that centers love in the environment it seeks to create. Each of us shows our love for our colleagues, students, families, parents, and our work differently. In our lead-up to the conference, and as we work together, our SAA team and Board have had a number of conversations about what kind of environment we need to be successful. We’ve talked about being motivated by community, being of service, spending time with our families and friends, and by the gift it is to work for our organization. On a personal note, the things I do to set up my own environment, which includes things like project management tools, calendars, and good music, are always second to the overwhelming feeling of love I have whenever I sit with members of our community, see a Suzuki student performance, or hear about the successes happening for organizations committed to Suzuki education. It’s been such a privilege to read about the ways in which our Suzuki community builds nurturing and loving environments for students and parents.

Wishing you deep thought on the environment you create for yourself, and hopes that it extends to the students and families you support.

Abrazotes,

Angelica Cortez