“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. . .”

These words, written by Charles Dickens over 165 years ago, are as relevant today as they were in 1859. The acceleration of technology in our time is unprecedented. Looking at Dickens’s words in 2025, we might say:

It is the best of times, as AI opens doors of knowledge and opportunity.

It is the worst of times, as technology deepens divides and spreads misinformation.

It is the age of innovation, and the age of disruption.

It is the epoch of connectivity, and the epoch of isolation.

It is the season of Light, of lifelong learning, and the season of Darkness caused by technological misuse.

Yet, I believe today is the Spring of Hope. The human connection in education — through our teachers, counselors, administrators, coaches, and aides — is more powerful than the words of cyber bullies. A kind word to a student touches their soul. A gentle pat on the back tells a student they are loved. Listening with care assures a student they belong.

Yes, we must use technology to educate. But we must also teach our students to use this powerful agent ethically. Our educational system must adapt, integrating AI into its repertoire as a partner in learning. We have the opportunity to narrow the educational divide; failing to do so is not an option.

Leadership in education must begin in the classroom and extend across all spheres of influence. John Wooden, the legendary UCLA basketball coach, exhorted his players with two rules of three: never lie, never cheat, never steal; don’t whine, don’t complain, don’t make excuses. As Dickens reminds us of history’s contradictions, and Wooden of personal integrity, we see how wisdom from the past can guide us through the challenges of the present.

Wooden’s words, learned from his father, remain true today. In this era of technological disruption, isolation, and division, education requires a new vision — a vision of hope that brightens each classroom; a vision that seeks wisdom from the past as a beacon for the future; a vision that celebrates our shared humanity.

The acceleration of AI will not slow. Social media’s negative influence will persist. Yet educators can match this speed with a greater force — the power of the heart. Empathy, compassion, and an unwavering belief in every student are our true superpower. With them, despair has no chance. Love and hope are eternal.