Fireproof Memories

Fireproof Memories

January 11, 2021 marks the 11th anniversary of the historic fire that leveled the Global Leadership Academy Charter School “Wings Location” (Warren St.) Everything in the inferno’s path was laid waste, and not a pencil survived.

I choke up when I reflect upon that day. We were just months from opening our new building at 4601 W. Girard Avenue. Temporarily relocating because of the fire meant we were facing two moves.

However, through it all, I have to say this: They can burn a building down, but they can’t erase the memories. The learning, the laughter, and the love that flowed in that building did not go up in smoke. Those wonderful things still exist in the form of lifelong memories. The experiences we had, the things that moved our emotions and touched our hearts—are still very much alive and well.

When the Philadelphia Business Journal featured our new building at 4601 Girard, the editor chose an interesting headline, “A Charter School Rises From the Ashes.” It is interesting because one could place that headline in so many places throughout GLA’s history. We have experienced multiple setbacks over time. But what defines us is not what happened. Rather, we are defined by how we respond to the situation. With each setback, we regrouped, we regained ground—we rose.

Has life given you ashes lately? If so, the first thing you need to do is shake off the ashes. Let them go. Begin again. As you regroup, go back to your bank of memories and ponder. Dream for a while of the things that make you smile.Then, make a plan to move forward. Memories are a powerful motivational force that can take us a long way as we regroup from setbacks and gain ground when we move on.

We lost a building to the fire. But it did not take away what matters most, because those things were preserved in memories. Regardless of what you may be going through—a relationship struggle, financial hardship, or even the loss of a loved one, draw on your bank of memories. Even the bad memories have something to offer when we rebuild because they remind us what not to do.

Most of all, as you go about your day, your month, your life—keep this in mind: we are constantly making memories. Choose to make the ones that will uplift others today because, in time, they will lift you when you need them the most.

Yours Truly,

Dr. Booker