Hearing the animated excitement of children embarking on new life experiences is music to my ears. Whether a first-time carnival, Broadway musical or cross-country road trip, children have been known to punctuate their anticipation with wide-eyed wonder and ear-to-ear smiles.

Several weeks ago, I received a text that read “we are at stadium to vote for Kamala Harris and I love it. Bye” from the seven-year-old son of one of my Goddaughters. While I suspected he and his mom had not descended upon Shell Energy Stadium to vote, I did note that his enthusiasm from being hours away from a huge milestone in US presidential history could not be quelled.

The moment of mother and son witnessing the sitting US Vice President running as the first Black female US presidential candidate post Barack Obama, monumental, rang a Relatability bell. I, too, had felt the same energetic jolt consuming him when I shared and celebrated unforgettable firsts with my own mother.

For the youngster, the rally cemented a stronger impression about the gravity of hope and possibility than the messy mechanics of politics. In Harris, the third grader saw proof that one can achieve when he or she believes in something greater than social circumstance or statistical probability.

Although California’s former district attorney would not seize the presential seat, the campaign impact on younger generations, regardless of gender, was magical. For example, Harris’ age-inclusive campaign snagged Nickelodeon’s “Kids for President” pick and spurred “Kids for Kamala Lawn Sign Contests.”

Unlike a segment of women who lamented a lost opportunity to see one of their own elected US President in their lifetimes, the elementary school artist considered the roar of possibility election history sounded to be wildly encouraging.

Political outcomes are definitive; however, in defeat, adoption of media mogul Arianna Huffington’s mindset, “failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of success” holds promise for broadening perspectives. After all, everyday life reinforces the lesson to children that failed try today may net major success tomorrow.

Shari Wright, UU Education Coordinator