Over the past several days, a multitude of ideas have ambled through my head for blog two. Trying to whittle down to just one idea was extraordinarily tough for an old ADD man like myself. Trying to keep things positive and inspiring will be my footprint in this week's footnote.
Being blessed with a career of 30+ years in education, I have a story for any occasion of those students who have passed through the hallowed halls of Mr. Roberts' room. Among the greatest was the lab tech poking my arm for a blood draw reminding me that she was my former student and not a very good one at that. Feeling a little bit vulnerable at the time, I quickly asked, "Did you like me?" "Oh yes, everyone did back then" Reassured, the poke in the arm went smoothly and all was well. Whew.
I keep a mental and physical "Mr. Holland's Opus" container of notes and comments that I have gotten over my years of teaching. The stories are great and too many to relate here in this short format. Suffice it to say, I have been blessed with an amazing career and amazing students over the years. I have witnessed an 8th grade miscreant become a chemical engineer with a new baby. I have seen a creative young man go on to teach English at the college level and write his own science fiction novel. Almost every day, I get to see a young man who struggled in school coach our speech kids with dauntless energy and inspire a whole new group of students every year. Perhaps in the next few years I will get to teach of the son of former student who confused a few lines on stage in a play, left it in tears and hopefully, reassured by me to know that she had done her best. I was very proud of her. Doing your best should be expected and is all you can give.
Who inspires me today? Which of those students will be the next lab tech or chemical engineer to come up to me and say " Do you remember me Mr. Roberts? " The answer will always be, "of course, but can you help me with the name?" I have learned that you never can tell who will leave your room for the high school and move toward great things. I have a young man who told me he wants to play basketball for Ohio State. Doing nothing in the fall, he has become this terrifically respectful student even calling me sir! He doesn't always work his hardest, but he tries. I hope to watch him play ball someday! I have four girls who sat together last year in a " pod" who ALWAYS strive to do the best job they can with this incredible positive attitude- and they will end up somewhere doing the best job they can. I would be remiss not to mention a young lady who would like to imagine she is married to a pop idol who is not only an amazing student but has an energy and a vitality that mixed with her intelligence inspires me to continue to challenge my students, every class period, every day.
I do have peers that inspire me as well. I work with an SLA (you work out the acronym) who is so giving and accepting of ALL kids. I wish I had her ability to do that. Another, after experiencing amazing personal tragedy last year, continues to give her best every day and has this incredible upbeat attitude even in the face of overwhelming work and poor morale. She knows she will be missed when she retires this spring.
Aspiring to inspire- that should be our goal.
Signing off
Keith
Brilliant!, Well said sir
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