There Is Hope

Reflections on the MI Newcomer Summit and the Future of Education

Yesterday, I attended my second MI Newcomer Summit—and once again, it did not disappoint. This year’s focus centered on trauma and emotional support systems for newcomer students—those who are newly arrived to the United States. The conversations were timely, thoughtful, and deeply needed as we continue working to support immigrant and refugee families in our schools.

MI Newcomer Summit 2025 - MSU Kellogg Center

Students who are new to U.S. schools often arrive carrying more than just backpacks—they carry stories, transitions, and, for many, trauma. At the Summit, we heard from powerful guest speakers and explored valuable resources for teachers and school leaders.

Today, I find myself still reflecting on the experience—especially one presentation that shared a survey on trauma experienced by children after crossing the border. The results were revealing.

The trauma post-migration is school. The biggest one.

It made me pause. Schools must change. But schools are not just buildings—they’re made of people. So if we want schools to change, the people inside them must be willing to grow, shift, and lead that change.

How do you change a system as big and layered as education? That question is at the heart of my doctoral research. We can't afford to let schools fall further behind while the world evolves at such a rapid pace. We need to join forces—with intention and urgency. We need to think beyond the present and be conscious of the future we're shaping, of what we’re leaving behind for the next generations. Yes, the work is complex. We’re not starting from scratch. But we can start from where we are.

We can't change history, and we can't undo the past—but we can start shaping a better future. Not just for the next generation, but for our collective future. Schools are one of the most vital institutions in society. They’re not just places of learning—they are where futures are formed. So yes, schools must change.

Recently, I came across this video: “Let’s Make School a Better Place”. It struck a chord. It reminded me that transformation is not just an idea—it’s already happening. People around the world are thinking differently about education. They are acting—whether in big or small ways, in Finland or right here in our own communities. And that gives me hope.

Yes, there is hope!