As a non-profit organization...

I would like to paint you a picture. Imagine 200 + students and teachers sitting on the floor in the gym. We had camera people surrounding the whole gym focusing their attention on Cathy Lee (the celebrity).  We were anxiously waiting to eat from our lunch boxes, but had to delay eating due to Cathy’s arrival. We did a cheer welcoming her to Summerbridge Hong Kong 2013! She walked in, and the cameras started to flash. Our director led Cathy to a specific group of students and she sat down to talk and “eat” with them. During this time, our students went about eating their own lunch not really minding all the chaos going on in the room. After lunch, we were “presented” with desserts that of course were given to us by the ever so gracious Cathy Lee. We then did a bunch of spirited SB activities to show the reporters what it was like for Cathy to interact with students. She also presented 300 copies of different almanacs and books that she signed. Specifically chosen students lined up to personally get their autographed copy (more publicity). After that, she made an eloquent speech of how students should be hungry for knowledge. Everyone politely clapped and she made her departure.

There isn’t a doubt that Summerbridge benefits from Cathy’s publicity stunt. We need publicity; this is a fact. However, the way that this was carried out is a complete heartbreak. We, as teachers, pour our heart and soul into this program. We travel from all over the world so that we could truly help these kids. Meanwhile, this lady who stays for a short two hours gets so much recognition for this program. When you google Cathy Lee and Summerbridge, there are 43,300 results. How can someone who drops in for a mere two hours truly understand the heart of our mission? That our program is based on student teaching students? That our Summerbridge culture is unlike any other? That we try our best to gear our students to go to college? When she said her eloquently scripted speech, she used a lot of big vocabulary. We have all EL students. How on Earth were they expected to have understood her?? I understand that it’s important for celebrities to get publicity for the philanthropy that they do, but this was just too much.  If she had spent more time with the children and teachers, I would not be in the conflicted position that I am in now. Honestly, I just feel used.

Let me make this clear. I love Summerbridge/Breakthrough and everything that it stands for.  I worship my directors for how much heart and effort they put into this, despite the lack of recognition they get. I feel that they are the true driving forces behind the magic we create. In fact, it’s not magic but it’s the countless hours of hard work and dedication.