"I'm talking to the man in the mirror. I'm asking him to change his ways," sang Michael Jackson in 1988.

I challenge us as a community to be that man, to examine the reflections we see and ask "Do I like what I see?" It may seem harsh but reflections provide opportunities for growth.

When we think about what is happening in our community presently, we need to take time to honestly discern whether that "man in the mirror" is who we want our children to emulate. Are we being the role models of the men and women that we want them to become.

It is amazing what children "pick up" when they watch adults. And they are watching! They form ideas about relationships and peer interactions from comments made aloud in homes, cars and backyards across this island. They formulate thoughts about political viewpoints and social injustice as they listen to conversations among parents, relatives and even on the evening news.

Imagine what students would "pick up" if they saw kind words being exchanged, seats being given up on the bus to older persons or saw someone walk away when a situation could be harmful to self or others.

Just imagine!