The start of a new year invites reflection, recharging, and renewal.

I want to acknowledge the challenges we’ve faced over the past many months. The divisiveness in our world, catastrophic losses from natural disasters, and the weight of so many other issues have left things feeling messy, uncertain, and sometimes overwhelming. It hasn’t been easy to navigate. We collectively carry a heaviness as 2024 comes to a close.

Resilience is often the word we turn to, and for good reason. The ability to withstand hardships, gather strength, and continue forward is uniquely human. But that is not something to take on alone.

At NTC, we see one thing that carries the potential and power to enable students, teachers, and communities to not only be resilient but flourish — personal connection and relationships. That’s what I carry forward into 2025. The reminder of the profound impact personal connections have on learning and growth. This year, let’s continue to nurture the power of connection:

• For students, it’s about building a sense of belonging that inspires curiosity and confidence.
• For educators, fostering collaboration and high-quality support fuels their passion to teach and lead.

Maya Angelou beautifully said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In education, how we make others feel — valued, seen, and supported — lays the foundation for transformative experiences.

Thank you for being part of this journey to uplift educators and empower students. I’m grateful and committed to be in this with all of you.

Here’s to a year of courage, connection, and possibility.

Tommy Chang