Transformation often occurs incrementally. Gradual progress happens practically undetected. A typical day; subtle impacts. And then a moment propels our progress. A clear point in time when you are aware you are no longer the same.
Nine summers ago I chaperoned an inner city work trip for our church's middle school youth group. My best friend and I went along with our daughters. We prepared and painted the inside of a house, pulled weeds and picked up trash to beautify a neighborhood, and shingled a roof. The houses we worked on would become homes - occupied by people who found themselves in need of physical shelter as well as shelter from the storms currently swirling in their life. It was here I met Rubee.
Rubee had been a homeless, drug addict; it was this house we were painting into her home. Rubee opened up to share her life was saved by the unwavering love and support of the outreach group whose work we served. This team of people would not quit on her. They loved her without giving up as she learned to love herself and turn her life around.
Driving back home I realized my work as an educator would never be the same. Rubee propelled me to realize I must love without ceasing. I must believe in people even when and especially when they don't even believe in themselves.
Unwavering love transforms. Being seen and known and valued instills hope, reminds the person of their infinite worth and possibilities, and fortifies them with courage to take steps forward.
Belief is the linchpin. This is not an isolated story; it is research based. John Hattie's Visible Learning research shows that student expectations are the #1 factor in growing student learning. Our belief has the power to transform their belief and make all the difference.
As you begin 2015-2016, know how much your influence as an educator, your work, your view of our students matters. Your unwavering love and belief has the power to change mindsets and the course of a life. We must remind and encourage each other of this life changing work, lifting our fellow educators up throughout the year, so we may each continue to lift up the students we impact.
Blessings to you - the transformers, the inspirers, the believers in our youth.
