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HeroicStories #800: The Power of One Note
Reaching more than 37,000 subscribers in 118 countries, this is...
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HeroicStories #800: 29 May 2010 www.HeroicStories.com
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The Power of One Note Story Editor:
by The Teacher Joyce Schowalter
New Jersey, USA
Another year as a junior high teacher in New Jersey was coming to an
end. The morning ceremony for the eighth grade graduates was about to
begin. There's always a feeling of accomplishment at this time. You also
hope that the students will look back and realize how much they learned
and that they'll be successful in high school.
Having taught for 15 years, I had come to realize that teaching was a
profession where you receive very few "thank you's" and where the impact
you have will never be known. This empty feeling is especially acute on
graduation day.
I headed towards the gymnasium ceremony and decided to stop by the room
where I teach American history to pick up a few items I wanted to bring
home.
When I glanced at the podium in the room, I saw a sheet of paper and
began reading. It was a note from an eighth grader addressed to me about
500 words long. I could not believe what I was reading.
This quiet young lady had written to express her gratitude for the
positive affect I had on her life, both emotionally and academically.
She wrote about the tough time she initially had in class and how I was
able to make learning enjoyable, make her laugh, and give her confidence
that she would do well in high school.
As I read the letter, tears streamed down my cheeks. When I had
finished, I quickly went to the gymnasium. Quite honestly, I do not
remember anything regarding the ceremony; my thoughts kept going back to
the letter. I do remember thinking that I'd better not make eye contact
with her during the ceremony, because I would not be able to hold back
my tears, and my colleagues would wonder what was happening to such a
stoic member of the faculty.
This student changed my life forever by her act of appreciation and
kindness. I still don't receive many notes of thanks from parents and
students, but I don't need to. In June of 2002, I received a note of
gratitude from a young lady telling me that I had made a difference.
Since this former student works at a local eatery when she is home from
college, I see her from time to time. I always make a point of saying
hello and inquire about her college experience. I hope she realizes the
impact she has had on me.
Whenever I have misgivings about teaching, or question whether I make a
difference, I read her note, and the tears appear once again -- tears of
gratitude for having the opportunity to meet this one angelic student.
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Hoagies' Gifted Education Page
http://www.hoagiesgifted.org
The award-winning All-Things-Gifted Resource for Parents,
Educators and other Professionals, and Gifted Kids & Teens
You are not alone!
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In our last issue, "Freedom From Fear" described a friend who gently
pointed out to the author that he could and should take his cat to the
vet to have a persistent sore examined.
An anonymous reader replied, "What's his/her point in the story!?" I put
that question to the members of HeroTalk, and received answers from all
over the map, that is, from all over the globe.
Pris in California replied: "Of course there was a point -- do what
should be done, whether you fear the outcome or not. Take
responsibility."
Ian in Malaysia adds: "The hero in the story to me is Kathy, the friend
who took the risk to challenge Andrew to do something. We often refrain
from 'rocking the boat' to risk getting someone upset at us for
'meddling'. Kathy's challenge also helped Andrew overcome his slavery to
fear."
Debbie in California: "It was an example of a friend being a friend and
telling another what he needed to hear. I had a friend who was losing a
significant amount of weight, for no apparent reason. She was thrilled,
having struggled with her weight all her life. For weeks, we encouraged
her to see her doctor, to no avail. Finally, six of her card-playing
buddies ganged up on her and made her go to the doc. It was end stage
pancreatic cancer
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