Speaker Lt. James Curtis Bushman Comes to Serra

Today, students came together to discuss overcoming adversity. Adversity is something every individual must face in their lives, whether it be a personal struggle or a larger community challenge, it is important for everyone to focus on how to meet these challenges head on, and to develop skills to strengthen our resilience.

We were fortunate to have Lt. James Curtis Bushman of the United States Coast Guard as our first Wellness Wednesday guest speaker. Bushman was 19 years old and just out of boot camp, starting his fifth day aboard the CGC Sturgeon Bay stationed in New York Harbor and was working on the deck of his ship when he witnessed first-hand the devastating attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001.

Bushman recounted his experience that day and the first-hand struggles he and many around the nation experienced. He also discussed the coming together of people from all over to provide aid and support, first responders, civilians and service members during 9-11 and the days following the attack. Bushman witnessed the evacuation of Manhattan Island, which was the largest sea evacuation in history. He discussed how the community came together to overcome the adversity they faced and how from tragedy a nation came together.

Following the discussions surrounding Ground Zero of the Twin Tower attack, the Padre community discussed and explored the different types of adversity that we face in society, particularly how we face challenges and the unique strengths that each Padre brings to our community. A group discussions was followed by a presentation to identify individual strengths that help us rise to face challenges.

Padres are encouraged to make the most of these unique opportunities to come together and discuss topics of importance beyond traditional academics.