The Social Inspiration That Came From Away

The Social Inspiration That Came From Away

By Jeffrey M. Bowen

Recently we attended an awe-inspiring musical titled “Come from Away”.  The play interprets the true 9/11 story of 7,000 jet passengers whose flights from abroad were diverted to and delayed for several days in the isolated rural community of Gander, Newfoundland. 

With the help of just a dozen actors and a few props, we felt the shock and uncertainty of the passengers, followed by the compassionate response of a community whose population had instantly doubled.         

The wonder of this play comes from of the way people connected with each other.   In the midst of tragedy, social bonds were forged by heart-warming cultural exchanges, unique celebrations, lifelong friendships, and eventually even a marriage.  Shared inspirations about how to solve practical problems seemed to ignite continuously.  

It does not take a crisis or a play to experience the healing power of the Gander phenomenon.  Our need to connect socially is just as compelling as our need for water and food.

 In the grocery store recently, I stood beside a lady who was looking over a display of apples.  She remarked, “You know, I have always loved the Granny Smith apples because they make the best pies.”  Suddenly this reminded me of the neglected, unpicked tree that stands in our back yard.  I told my fellow shopper, “Wow, thanks!  My mom made the best apple pies ever, without using a recipe, but my wife’s are even better.  I have this tree with big green apples, but for years we have never picked it.  Now I will!”  

My point is that every day, and everywhere we venture, there are connections waiting to be discovered.   Some involve people and relationships, while others are triggered by ideas.  The two types tend to cross paths.  The key is to create or at least respond to inviting circumstances.   By sharing ourselves, asking questions and listening, we open doors to understanding ourselves and others.  Wise decisions and choices usually follow.

Research on our brains strongly suggests that social pain caused by alienation or loneliness produces actual physical pain that can damage every aspect of our health.  By the same token, positive social contacts are intrinsically motivating and gain strength from exercise.  Uniquely, humans are able to focus on the thoughts and feelings of others.  Doing so produces a potent advantage when we collaborate on a common goal.

As a retired school executive, I have often reflected on the kinds of social connections that produce the best results for our school community.  Often they thrive in extracurricular activities where relationships can be less formal and teamwork is essential.  What is more, I have concluded the following:  newer teachers benefit immensely from a mentor or induction program; students learn best when they teach each other; and when we lock curriculum into separate disciplines, we discourage curiosity and creativity.  Interdisciplinary learning sparks connections.

 in a journal I maintained for several years, I combined these thoughts into a philosophy: “Academic learning is surely important, but no more so than the social and emotional learning needed to develop positive interpersonal relationships and to collaborate to solve problems and get things done.  School is a society.  We have to make it become a community for ourselves and our students.”     

In Gander, a sense of community prevailed.  The stranded passengers gratefully funded a scholarship for the children.   Their future education sets the stage, but ultimately our children’s success in life, and our own as well, takes root from the social lessons we witnessed in Newfoundland.