Travis Kelce and his brother have a podcast called New Heights.  On the show, Travis was giving a play-by-play of one of Taylor’s concerts overseas – at which she changed the lyrics to one of her songs to honor their relationship.  So, Travis was there at her concert, cheering her on and watching her do her thing – and it was something special for him to experience.  After another of her concerts, Travis arrived a little late – and Taylor was seen running off the stage, jumping into his arms to greet him.  Then, of course, we can’t forget that she has been at the stadium for all his games, cheering, dancing, and jumping up and down every time he gets a catch. 

These two have done a great job of putting a magnifying glass on the relational experience we all wish we could have, right?  Aside from the fact that they are the top 1% of the top 1% of the top 1% in their fields, they are gushing with happiness, positivity, energy, excitement, and, well…hope.  They are likely two of the most sought-after singles on planet Earth who, upon finding each other, gave the rest of us things to think about.  I cannot believe I will type this, and it’s likely to offend some of my Buffalonian brothers and sisters – but I must say it.  I will be cheering for the Chiefs one week from today!

People are out there saying that the Travis Tay thing is a conspiracy and that it is just good for business.  There are others who get all negative when all that positivity is on the screen.  And my advice to everyone is to love it.  I loved it when Tiger won – it made me happy.  When Steph hits the three-pointer at the buzzer I cheer.  Gronk making a hole in the field when he spiked the ball, the rare walk-off grand slam, and the longshot that goes all Seabiscuit at the Kentucky Derby are the reasons that we watch.  I hate to say this, but positivity and fun are just kryptonite for some people.  Not me.

Billionaire or not, Taylor is a cheerleader for Travis.  When he showed up at her concert in Argentina, even with all of the attention that she got, you could see that she felt amazing when he arrived.  Even with all of the glitz and glamour, they will have stressful times at some point too – and hopefully, they will still be there for each other.  Rich people have problems too.  When they do, it is worse for them than it is for us, because TMZ employs many people to turn their lives upside down.  America loves success, underdogs, and tragic falls from grace.  Probably because we wish for our own success, hope to be able to beat the odds, and then when we can’t it feels good to see Bob Kraft in handcuffs, Bill Gates in divorce court, or Tiger’s mugshot after he got locked up for DUI.

Who are your cheerleaders, and who are you a cheerleader for?  Does anyone see you as Travis’ Taylor?  Real cheerleaders are hard to find.  Oddly, there are times when we are with a person who is supposed to be our cheerleader – yet we know we are alone.  Then, out of the blue, someone comes out of nowhere and not only gives you the rah-rah you need but actually does things to help you overcome an obstacle–sometimes big ones.  As adults, we all need our cheerleaders.  If this is the case, what about our kids? 

The story of Travis and Taylor, with its spotlight on mutual support and celebration of each other's achievements, mirrors the kind of environment we aim to foster within our public education systems. This narrative underlines the importance of creating a supportive atmosphere in schools, where students learn from textbooks and are encouraged to cheer for each other's successes and provide comfort during challenging times. Public education should nurture a sense of community, empathy, and understanding among students, teaching them the value of being someone's cheerleader. By incorporating these values into the curriculum, we give our children the best chance at maximizing their human potential, instilling in them the belief that they can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness, just like their favorite celebrities or sports stars.

Moreover, the Travis and Taylor story emphasizes the power of hope, positivity, and energy—qualities that are essential for personal and academic growth. Public education systems prioritizing mental health, emotional well-being, and the development of social skills alongside academic achievement can help cultivate these qualities in students. By highlighting stories of resilience, like that of athletes overcoming injuries or artists breaking through creative blocks, educators can inspire students to pursue their passions relentlessly and support their peers in doing the same. This approach prepares our little ones academically and equips them with the emotional intelligence necessary to navigate life's ups and downs.

The visibility and influence of figures like Travis and Taylor underscore role models’ role in shaping aspirations and attitudes toward success and failure. Public education can leverage this influence by integrating contemporary role models into learning materials, showcasing various achievements and the paths to achieve them. This can help students understand that success comes in many forms and that failures are not endpoints but stepping stones. By fostering an educational environment that celebrates both individual achievement and collective support, we can ensure that our children grow up to be well-rounded individuals who are not only capable of chasing their dreams but also lifting others up along their journey. Through this, we can give our kids the best chances at maximizing their human potential, making the essence of being each other's cheerleaders a foundational aspect of their education and lives.