Roots dig deep into the soil, holding trees steady, while wings lift birds to new heights. Both are essential for people, too. Our roots remind us of who we are and where we come from, while our wings carry us to new opportunities. Within the Kaneland community, roots and wings connect generations of teachers and students who have explored, grown and stood tall. Whether it’s a student studying abroad or a teacher returning to teach in a place they once studied, Kaneland students and staff have always found their own balance between staying grounded and soaring beyond. 

Roots provide nourishment and support to their plants. Without their roots, plants’ survival isn’t possible. In the same way, people rely on their own roots, like their upbringing, what keeps them down-to-earth and the people and communities who keep them stable. Roots aren’t just about staying in one place; they’re about carrying your sense of belonging with you. 

Kaneland alumni and English teacher Jacob Robitske, whose roots have stayed firmly planted in the same soil that helped him grow, has lived in Elburn all his life. Elburn and Kaneland are parts of who he is, which has helped him branch off into other aspects of his life. 

“My roots are my origins and where I come from,” Robitske said.

While growing up, Robitske’s mom was a paraprofessional in the Kaneland district and he admired his high school and middle school English teachers, influencing him to stick to his origins and teach in the same hallways that he once rushed through on the way to his next class. He wanted to return to Kaneland to help build the generations to come. 

“I like the sense of community and belonging at Kaneland,” Robitske said. “It anchors me and gives me a sense of purpose and belonging.” 

The community is how Robitske stays grounded when life throws curve balls, especially ones involving change.

Change happens one way or another, for good and for bad. Large or even subtle changes can make moving forward extremely difficult. By having a strong support system and origin, change can be a little less scary. Having a firm foundation one way or the other allows change to happen while permitting someone to stay at ease.

According to Mental Health America, the nation’s leading community-based mental health organization, having strong support systems following major life events seriously lessens the chance of depression in teens. It also has a lasting positive effect in helping people deal with life challenges and changes in the future. 

For Robitske, his strong support system is the Kaneland community. The community has helped him navigate change and remind himself of who he is. 

“My roots give me strength as life changes,” Robitske said. “Change can always be scary. I know who I am because I know where I’m from.”

Roots not only dig downward; they also dig in sideways. The further you spread your wings and fly, the more the roots move horizontally and grow in the most unexpected places, even overseas. 

Wings are delicate but mighty. They’re a necessity for growth and exploration. Wings bring birds to new heights. Without wings, they’re stuck on the same level with no room to grow. Just like birds, people need wings too. Wings are the confidence, motivation and strength that propel people forward. 

It’s easy for people to stay in their comfort zones. Everything is familiar and predictable. While roots are important to know in relation to your origins and the reasoning behind your actions, wings are essential too. 

2025 Kaneland graduate Kiara Lopez understands how essential stepping out of your comfort zone is. Lopez’s roots hold firmly in Aurora, her hometown, where she lives with her family. While her roots held her steady, she took the opportunity to study abroad in Paris, where she is currently working her way to a bachelor’s degree in International Management. 

“My parents have always allowed me to have a more interesting approach to things,” Lopez said. “Especially when it came to schooling.”

Prior to deciding to study in Paris, Lopez considered attending a university in Mexico. 

Along with her home in Aurora, Lopez’s roots spread into Mexico. Her parents grew up there, so she has always been surrounded by diversity and a global perspective. Living near Chicago has also helped shape her study abroad experience because Lopez says that Chicago is very diverse, which helped her become accustomed to new cultures.

The sense of diversity she gets from visiting Mexico often was one of the main reasons she decided to study abroad. It wasn’t easy for Lopez at first, but now she is thoroughly enjoying her time overseas. 

“Spreading my wings for the first time was fun and exhilarating, but it was also scary,” Lopez said. “It was my first time grocery shopping alone or even being alone.” 

Along with her family, the Kaneland community and teachers were other driving factors that led to her studying abroad. 

Like Lopez, French teacher Cristian Hernandez’s roots are dug deep between Kaneland, Mexico and Spain, as he also studied abroad. Hernandez completed his master’s degree in Teaching Spanish Language and Culture in Spain over the past two summers at the University of Salamanca. His study abroad opportunity in college was canceled due to COVID, but he has been traveling internationally since he was eight and going overseas since high school. He encourages everyone to have that experience as well. 

“It’s better to have lived and experienced it than to realize, ‘Dang, I wish I would’ve done that,’” Hernandez said. 

Hernandez was intimidated by the thought of studying abroad at first, but he went for it.

“A big part of getting out of your comfort zone is just doing things,” Hernandez said. “Just do it. If you’re afraid to mess up and look stupid, then you’re not doing it right.”

Hernandez is a huge believer in traveling and leaving your comfort zone. He was able to take his past experiences and beliefs into his classroom to inspire students like Lopez. He believes that no matter your circumstances, you should always try to take a step outwards. 

“Regardless of where you are and what you’re doing, you’re going to be nervous,” Hernandez said. “You’re going to be scared to do things.” 

Alongside many positives, there are downsides to leaving the sphere of ease. Homesickness is common for those who study abroad or even for those who leave their family or community for long periods of time. 

“I definitely had a hard time going to Paris for the first time,” Lopez said. “I had a hard time finding that Mexican aspect of me here. There are few Mexican restaurants here. I feel homesick a lot. I miss my mom and someone to speak Spanish to.” 

Flying can be hard yet rewarding. Branching out of familiar territory into the unknown not only creates new experiences, but it can even deepen roots and connections. 

“I think that being away can help  you maintain those deep connections,” Hernandez said. “One thing is proximity. You’re physically close, but another thing is putting in continuous effort to spend time with people. It’s something you value more when you go away.” 

Without roots, it can be easy to lose a sense of direction. Without wings, people may never grow and meet their potential. Together, they create balance, which helps people stay connected while also continuing to move and evolve. 

It is impossible to grow branches towards the sky without roots deep in the ground. Once roots are anchored, anything is possible.