As frustrating as working with students can sometimes be, we must always remind ourselves that we do impact student lives. Sometimes as educators we need to help students move forward during times of despair or moments of insecurity. Let me use a past student as an example.
Prior to returning to college for my teaching degree, I was a teacher assistant in a High School computer lab. Students who felt they were “outsiders” often viewed my lab as a “safe harbor.” One day, a young Junior was expressing her desire to quit school. She stated that she hated her BOCES program and felt she was too unhappy and “stupid” to continue attending school. When I over-heard her grumblings and saw how unhappy she looked I asked if she would step into my office so I could visit with her privately for a moment.
Of course, her first response was, “Are you mad? What did I do?” I laughed and said, “You haven’t done anything wrong, I overheard you say you wanted to quit school and just wanted to visit with you. I’m certainly not mad at you!”
We talked about her concerns and at one point I asked her to do me a favor. “Close your eyes for a moment, take a deep breath. Now, tell me if you could see yourself doing anything you wanted ten years down the road, what would that be?”
Her immediate response was, “I would like to be a nurse, but the guidance counselor told me I don’t have the grades or skills to go into nursing.” I placed my hand over hers, and said, “If you see yourself as a nurse, you must pursue your dream. Even though we are trained adults and I know the guidance counselor wants you to be practical, you must never let anyone tell you that you are not smart enough or gifted enough to follow your dream.”
Shortly after that conversation, I took a sabbatical to return to college. I wondered what happened to that sweet, winsome girl, but noted that she did graduate the following year. Recently, my husband had emergency surgery and (of course you have probably guessed) that dear, sweet girl was his favorite nurse.
Look for ways you can make a difference today! And, of course, please feel free to use the comment link below to share how your words and actions have already made a difference!
These last few days have been very hectic as we moved from Oneonta back to Dansville after I completed a temporary position that ended June 30th. Shortly after unpacking our U-Haul, we were surprised to learn that my mother-in-law had been walking around on a broken hip and needed to be hospitalized. Boxes and spare furniture are still spread throughout my house as we have been trying to attend to my mother-in-law’s needs. We have spent days in the hospital keeping her company, trying to keep her spirits up, and conferring with doctors.
