Teaching

It has been said that if you look back at your youth, there is almost certainly at least ONE teacher who stands out in your mind as having truly made a difference in your life. I was lucky to have had many. Elementary school had Mr. Fuhr and Mrs. Schnortendorf (or however you spell it - it was just a few years ago people - 2nd grade). Middle school was full of fabulous folks who empowered me and dared me to excel ~ Mr. Bartle, Mr. Green, Mrs. Canniff, Mrs. Acton, and more. High school was terrific with Mr. Ayers, Mrs. Bartle, Mr. Lemyre, Mr. Hasselin, and many others. They not only taught academics; but always seemed to take a more personal interest in the lives of their students. They helped to mold me into who I am today! I thank them and cherish them for their efforts!

As much as I appreciate academia, however, we are all teachers!

There are those folks who teach you to never give up; to face your fears; to dream in 3D IMAX; to soar; to lose gracefully; to fight for what's right; to be the most amazing you that you can be! These folks are your parents, your siblings, relatives, friends, enemies, bosses, and children.

There are lessons to be learned each and every day. Patience, fortitude, determination, persistence, humility, faith, boldness, daring, awareness, charisma, peace, strength, and more! The classroom is the world; your fellow humans are your teachers. Do not judge a person by their appearance, as they may teach you an abundance through their trials. Do not judge a person by their wealth, as their happiness is not always in proportion. Learn! Take today to engage someone and learn a little something new. I finally commented on a woman at work who just brightens every day. She is bubbly, vivacious, personable and infectiously charismatic! She appreciated the compliment and said, "Thanks, I am a recent breast cancer survivor. Every day is a celebration." What a lesson!

And maybe this will be today's lesson . . . YOU, too, are a teacher! You are not just a student of life. You have the opportunity every day to make a difference ~ in your speech, in your actions, in your passions. Someone is always watching you and you just don't ever know when you will create that spark for them to make a difference somewhere else. The ripple effect is a very strong one. Create positive ripples by being a good student AND a grand teacher!