Today at the Lauder school we had a presentation from David Kostelancik, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy Budapest. During that presentation, Alan M. Reinitz, Chief Executive Officer of SOS International spoke to the students in the audience about being “agents of change’. He said that change was in their hands, it was their time to move to the front and work towards the reality they want to see in the world.
I began thinking about the students here at Lauder and what they want for their future. My mind also went to my students at Adelson and my own children. What will the future hold for them? How can they get their voice heard? As a citizen, I can make change – no doubt about that – but if I can help empower my students, there’s no telling what the future may hold.
Half a world away from home, I see some of the same issues that plague our country here in Budapest. Is the government doing everything that they should? How can we ensure safety, free speech and protections for everyone? How can the economy grow and prosper? What challenges lay ahead?
While we may not know what the future holds for any of us, I do believe, as Alan said – our students are the “agents of change” for the future. By preparing them the best that way can, we can ensure a future where the public’s voice makes a difference, and where we all work together to make a better tomorrow.
