We are all experiencing a world of exponential change in almost every aspect of our lives. Communication is quicker than any generation before us. Digitization with embedded artificial intelligence has rapidly infiltrated our work and leisure. Algorithms are influencing our thinking, impacting our ideas and even predicting our choices before we make decisions. And I am sure you will agree that the lines between artificial intelligence, reality and authentic human connection continue to be blurred.
Conversations regarding technological changes are in abundance, and many parents are scrambling to make sense of change and discern what is best for their children and themselves. As responsible adults and educators, we too are carefully making decisions and communicating our policies and positions on these topics. In this changing landscape, we could easily allow technology to set the rhythm and momentum of our lives and our children’s learning paths.
At Cushman, however, we choose something different. We choose to remain relationship-based. We choose to be intentional about how we make each other feel. We choose to change responsibly. We choose to lean into the human side of change as we place ‘the heart’ and love at the forefront of all we do and plan for our children, our families and one another.
Although we witness how the ‘high-tech’ world is accelerating around us, we ensure these qualities are central to our every endeavor and apply them in a developmental manner so children are prepared for this unprecedented future. We choose to place the following at the forefront: the importance of looking at others in the eye while speaking and listening, initiating conversation and effectively articulating an idea or information, demonstrating kindness and courtesy in all aspects of living, applying technology responsibly, and caring about and respecting others in a robust way as we commit to making our world a better place.
At Cushman, we ensure that the core….the essence of human connection….the ‘heart’ of who we are….remain in rhythm, steady, well-articulated and understood. This principle was set in motion over 102 years ago and guides us as we continue to evolve in this ever-changing world. This is so important that this year’s theme, Be the Heartbeat in Cushman’s Human Era, will be embedded into all aspects of school life.
We know that technology and AI are here to stay, but as good as they can be in helping us within our lives, they cannot replace the human elements of connection and love. And if you ask someone what they remember about school, most often they won’t say their math test. Rather, it would be a teacher who made them feel valued, safe, understood and loved.
Dr. Arvi Balseiro serves as Head of School at The Cushman School, leading the school's mission to cultivate students of exceptional character with a lifelong love of learning.