I was once thanked for being "human".
Until a recent family vacation, perhaps, I didn't understand what a compliment that was. Over the course of five days, my only role was traveler. I wasn't a school administrator, a former teacher or even a connected educator. Nearly no one I interacted with knew much more about me than what my boarding pass or reservation might list. I was just a visitor.
Over the course of those five days, I had to rely on help from others including strangers. I've grown used to being in the role of helper but was suddenly seeing tables turned. I hadn't planned on needing help or reaching out but did, had to.
I became violently ill (food poisoning!) while on vacation and no amount of positive thinking on my part was helping the symptoms. The University Medical Center in Las Vegas became a stop on my sights to see itinerary. I'm thankful for the ER nurses that helped, the patient doctor, one security guard, and the Lyft driver that shuttled us directly there at a moment's notice. After a few hours of attentive care at UMC that began as soon as I entered the waiting room, I began to feel better. Certainly better than I did upon arrival!
Yet, I won't soon forget the conversation with another hotel representative disputing I had food poisoning. He had his opinion and I had mine (and discharge papers). And while not impressed by a few other professionals I interacted with during my vacation, their cold and negative approach will make me better by causing me to remember that kindness and compassion go a long way.
And the absence of those qualities are always felt.
Until a recent family vacation, perhaps, I didn't understand what a compliment that was. Over the course of five days, my only role was traveler. I wasn't a school administrator, a former teacher or even a connected educator. Nearly no one I interacted with knew much more about me than what my boarding pass or reservation might list. I was just a visitor.
Over the course of those five days, I had to rely on help from others including strangers. I've grown used to being in the role of helper but was suddenly seeing tables turned. I hadn't planned on needing help or reaching out but did, had to.
I became violently ill (food poisoning!) while on vacation and no amount of positive thinking on my part was helping the symptoms. The University Medical Center in Las Vegas became a stop on my sights to see itinerary. I'm thankful for the ER nurses that helped, the patient doctor, one security guard, and the Lyft driver that shuttled us directly there at a moment's notice. After a few hours of attentive care at UMC that began as soon as I entered the waiting room, I began to feel better. Certainly better than I did upon arrival!
Yet, I won't soon forget the conversation with another hotel representative disputing I had food poisoning. He had his opinion and I had mine (and discharge papers). And while not impressed by a few other professionals I interacted with during my vacation, their cold and negative approach will make me better by causing me to remember that kindness and compassion go a long way.
And the absence of those qualities are always felt.
I think the ability to be "human" is incredibly important. It's something that draws me to others. This includes connected educators within my PLN. I am fortunate to interact with so many I consider educational heroes, inspirations, and models for good AMAZING work. Some of them speak at international venues, publish books, and facilitate professional development all over the US, but somehow and for some reason, they still make time for an interaction with me when I need help, inspiration, or even just to laugh. Each of them have no idea how incredible I think their work is and how much it helps me to be a better leader. Every. Single. One.
As I've taken time over the last few days to begin to feel better, I keep coming back to that idea of being human and being grateful for the connections I've made on formal and informal levels. And, I realize that this approach, of being kind and approachable (or at least trying to be!), is just as important to give as it is to receive. I won't always know the impression I will leave with someone.
But, I should do my part to make sure it's positive, authentic, and...human.
As I've taken time over the last few days to begin to feel better, I keep coming back to that idea of being human and being grateful for the connections I've made on formal and informal levels. And, I realize that this approach, of being kind and approachable (or at least trying to be!), is just as important to give as it is to receive. I won't always know the impression I will leave with someone.
But, I should do my part to make sure it's positive, authentic, and...human.
"Every Day" by Rascal Flatts
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