Teaching can be a joyous, frustrating and rewarding profession. I met so many students over the years who enriched my life, challenged my patience, and some who have become lifelong fixtures in my life. I always did my best to believe in each and every student though I’m sure I failed. But here is the thing—they believed in me during some of my own personal challenges. They buoyed me and cheered me. You are right on — you’ve got to believe!!
When I was in eighth grade, I was very rebellious. There were a lot of problems at home and I was angry and frustrated. I got a lot of after school detentions with a particular nun, Sister Madonna Joseph. I always liked her, as she was young and seemed more contemporary than the older nuns. As I was doing my assigned tasks, Sr, Madonna Joseph and I would have meaningful talks about life. At our graduation awards ceremony I was totally shocked to hear my named called. It was the achievement award for greatest improvement in all areas of a student’s life. Later, when school was over for the summer, I received a letter from Sister Madonna Joseph. In that letter she said she saw such promise in me, that she believed in me and looked forward to hearing about my success. That letter meant the world to me. Something I have not forgotten in well over 50 years. It taught me how important and impactful it is to tell someone you “see” them, appreciate them, believe in them.
Teaching can be a joyous, frustrating and rewarding profession. I met so many students over the years who enriched my life, challenged my patience, and some who have become lifelong fixtures in my life. I always did my best to believe in each and every student though I’m sure I failed. But here is the thing—they believed in me during some of my own personal challenges. They buoyed me and cheered me. You are right on — you’ve got to believe!!
When I was in eighth grade, I was very rebellious. There were a lot of problems at home and I was angry and frustrated. I got a lot of after school detentions with a particular nun, Sister Madonna Joseph. I always liked her, as she was young and seemed more contemporary than the older nuns. As I was doing my assigned tasks, Sr, Madonna Joseph and I would have meaningful talks about life. At our graduation awards ceremony I was totally shocked to hear my named called. It was the achievement award for greatest improvement in all areas of a student’s life. Later, when school was over for the summer, I received a letter from Sister Madonna Joseph. In that letter she said she saw such promise in me, that she believed in me and looked forward to hearing about my success. That letter meant the world to me. Something I have not forgotten in well over 50 years. It taught me how important and impactful it is to tell someone you “see” them, appreciate them, believe in them.