“Facts bring us to knowledge, but stories lead to wisdom.” –Rachel Naomi Remen

We tell each other stories so we know we’re not alone. We tell our stories to inspire hope and resilience and advocate for change. Rachel Naomi Remen understands: we tell our stories because that’s how the wisdom gets passed along.

Here’s part of my story: As founder of Dimensions Foundation, the organizational home of Exchange Press, I enjoyed many years of demanding, yet incredibly rewarding work. At a point in my life where I was facing my husband’s health challenges, including multiple surgeries, I knew I couldn’t do justice to the work I loved and also be there for him in the way I wanted. It was time to retire.

Fast forward four years. With seven surgeries behind us and more breathing room in my life, I got a call from Tara Schroder, the current CEO of Dimensions. She explained that Ron Grady, who has done a wonderful job as Editor-in-Chief of Exchange magazine, decided that his studies as a PhD student at Harvard were taking so much of his time that he’d reluctantly need to step down. She asked if I’d consider coming on board again to work with Exchange. The timing felt meant to be. I’m delighted to be taking on this new role.

This issue is really a collaboration between Ron and me. He recruited many of these articles before he moved on and I want to honor his work. I feel his influence flowing throughout these pages; his story lives on here.

ADVERTISEMENT

Speaking of stories, the articles in the Focus on Section are the best kinds of stories: honest, authentic, courageous. It feels like a full circle moment to begin the section with a story by Carol Hillman and Bonnie Neugebauer, Co-Founder of Exchange, its first Editor-in-Chief and a mentor to me. The Early Childhood Wisdom Initiative (ECWI), which they founded, helps stories connect generations. The three stories following Bonnie and Carol’s are examples of ECWI’s work. Patsy Pillay writes movingly about finding her resilience and Holly Elissa Bruno about wisdom gained from facing a seemingly impossible decision. The story from retired Dimensions teachers warms my heart since I was fortunate to work with this wonderful group of people for many years as one of their program directors. Throughout their long tenure in the early childhood field they faced most of the challenges ECE professionals face today, and found ways to overcome them. As members of ECWI, their hope is to share inspiration and encouragement for a new generation. As they explained, the Dimensions teaching staff is more diverse now than when it began more than 40 years ago, and that has brought even more joy to the program.

You’ll also find stories from Jamie Cho and Ninderjit Gill that are personal, honest and important. And there are many more, including one about storytelling with children. I am grateful for each person who offered us the privilege of hearing their truth. I encourage you to read each story with an open mind and open heart.

There is also an inspiring mix of other kinds of articles as well. I’m excited to introduce a new column on leadership from Karen Foster-Jorgensen and Pam Boulton. And be sure to read the story from Valora Washington and colleagues from Community Advocates for Young Learners (CAYL). It’s based on a year’s worth of collaborative work between Exchange and CAYL, and offers much rich information about the current state of early care and education.

As the story of Exchange continues to evolve and change, yet stay strong, I encourage you to spread the word to others who might benefit from becoming a part of this inclusive, nurturing community of ECE advocates. Think of colleagues you’d like to invite. Encourage them to sign up for our free burst of information and inspiration, ExchangeEveryDay. And invite them to become an Exchange member to access many benefits. I am so grateful to everyone in our Exchange community for being part of our ongoing story.

With gratitude,

Nancy Rosenow
Editor-in-Chief, Exchange Press