The Ripple Effect of Student Opportunity

This year LEAF is featuring blogs from our Board members and volunteers sharing why they give their time and talents in service to District 742 students. Today’s blog is from Becky Bastein, a member of our LEAF Board.

Although I am a transplant to St. Cloud, I am a product of the Minnesota public school system. During those years, I discovered so much about myself that charted the course of both my professional and personal life. Despite having a very supportive family, I would not have been exposed to some of the things that have made me who I am today had it not been for my school. I believe that every young person should have the opportunity to learn, grow, and become their unique selves with the support of their educational communities.

Since my time in school, the landscape of public education has morphed alongside a changing world. There have been incredible accomplishments and difficult challenges, but it has become clear that dedicated people are needed if we are to give students all the opportunities they deserve. Those dedicated people come in the form of teachers, administrators, coaches, mentors, volunteers, and many others. I am honored to be able to contribute to that extensive network by giving my time and whatever talents I can as a LEAF board member.

I can clearly see that the resources LEAF directs towards our public schools have benefits that reach far beyond High School graduation. There is a direct through line from a well-functioning public education system to a community that is both economically healthy, cohesive, and vibrant. St. Cloud can boast all of those things, but it can’t do it alone. As my own children have made their way through 742, I have seen LEAF bridge the gap in so many ways that have allowed them to grow and bloom.