Does it matter what age you are? Don't we all need someone who believes in us? I spend a lot of time trying to remind my teachers that I believe in them so that they can remember to believe in their students. It's grueling work for them. I know they give so much, over and over. I worry my words aren't always enough for so many of them.
I counsel high school students whose disguised vernacular sometimes gets them misunderstood. I remind them I believe in them after their mistakes while still trying to stick to some structure that is needed.
It's supposed to be inspiring work and it usually is. But sometimes, it's draining. I feel it and I know my teachers and staff feel it. But, those of us determined to help, rebound in one way or another and show back up to try again. I have so many people like that on my team. They get me and I get them. We have this silent way of supporting all of our efforts. It's what keeps me going on so many days.
Some of my best time is spent with teachers celebrating their efforts to help our students. Sometimes, it's academic improvements we are seeing but more often that not, it's the motivation they are trying to spark in the faces before them. We have some students who can't plan for tomorrow without a plan to get through today. Graduation is akin to winning the lottery. "If I'm lucky, I'll make it but right now I need to think about where I will sleep tonight, where my next meal is from, or how I avoid the chaos I feel."
I have this one teacher who shows up when most everyone is gone. He appears almost at exactly the moment I need a reminder that we are on the right path. It's uncanny. He helps me see the good in the work and our combined efforts. He gets me to stop and think. (Few can usually get me to stop and just breathe....I tend to be a squiggly line of sorts, mind always moving.) His short check ins remind me that I have at least one person who believes in me. That means something and I think we all need that, no matter how young or old we are. In each of our small exchanges, I am refueled to do more and do better for our students and staff. What he gives to me in word and kindness, I need to be sure I am constantly giving to others.
It can be a chain reaction. That's what I am counting on.
I counsel high school students whose disguised vernacular sometimes gets them misunderstood. I remind them I believe in them after their mistakes while still trying to stick to some structure that is needed.
It's supposed to be inspiring work and it usually is. But sometimes, it's draining. I feel it and I know my teachers and staff feel it. But, those of us determined to help, rebound in one way or another and show back up to try again. I have so many people like that on my team. They get me and I get them. We have this silent way of supporting all of our efforts. It's what keeps me going on so many days.
Some of my best time is spent with teachers celebrating their efforts to help our students. Sometimes, it's academic improvements we are seeing but more often that not, it's the motivation they are trying to spark in the faces before them. We have some students who can't plan for tomorrow without a plan to get through today. Graduation is akin to winning the lottery. "If I'm lucky, I'll make it but right now I need to think about where I will sleep tonight, where my next meal is from, or how I avoid the chaos I feel."
I have this one teacher who shows up when most everyone is gone. He appears almost at exactly the moment I need a reminder that we are on the right path. It's uncanny. He helps me see the good in the work and our combined efforts. He gets me to stop and think. (Few can usually get me to stop and just breathe....I tend to be a squiggly line of sorts, mind always moving.) His short check ins remind me that I have at least one person who believes in me. That means something and I think we all need that, no matter how young or old we are. In each of our small exchanges, I am refueled to do more and do better for our students and staff. What he gives to me in word and kindness, I need to be sure I am constantly giving to others.
It can be a chain reaction. That's what I am counting on.
Do You Believe in Me?
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