Here in the USA, at the heart of the fall season, we observe the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time of warmth and reflection, and we at Educational Partners International (EPI) celebrate teachers and all of their accomplishments during this joyful time.
Traditionally, we give thanks for the harvest gathered in the bounty of crops, and the abundance of the Thanksgiving feast. But here at EPI, this harvest also is one of accomplishments, both great and small, and those moments that remind us that the work we are doing is valuable and true. For EPI teachers, your harvest has been one of plenty! You have enriched your lives with your cultural exchange, and we have been so proud to watch you adapt and develop.
Gatherings with loved ones are also central to the Thanksgiving tradition. Many of us are spending time with family and friends. But it is incredibly meaningful to us that you made this journey, leaving behind what is familiar, to experience a new culture. Your Thanksgiving is something so entirely different, because you have built new connections. We honor your new definitions of family, and the places you can now call home in the world.
Finally, Thanksgiving is a holiday of intentional gratitude. With that in mind, we want to take a reflective moment to express how thankful we are for our teachers. Your students’ lives are richer thanks to you, and your schools and communities are benefiting from the new experiences you share with them. We are so grateful for the opportunity to witness your amazing achievements and growth. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at EPI!