Some years ago I was working with a student who was upset, defiant and losing control. Unfortunately, my interventions were not effective. The child became even more upset. He ended up kicking my office wall, and putting a hole in the wall. A pretty big hole.
Over the course of our time together I learned how to work with him. What to do when he was upset. I learned how to address issues to have a successful outcome for him. Perhaps more importantly, I also learned what NOT to do. We had a good rapport most of the time. He moved on from my elementary school and eventually moved away.
Fast forward about ten years. This same student was graduating from high school. He reached out to me and asked if he could come for a visit. He wanted to see me before he graduated. It was so important to him that he drove an hour and a half just to see me. We visited for a while and caught up, and took a walk around the school. It was an enjoyable time for us both!
I was surprised that it was important for him to come and see me. I didn't think I had done anything too special. But you see, I forgot what I always tell young teachers: You are making an impact. You are making an impression. Like it or not, we have the opportunity to make an impact every single day. I had no idea the positive impact I was making on this young man. But, I was. As educators, we often don't know. In this case, I had the rare opportunity to hear for myself the effect I had on him. It was special for both of us.
It was an important reminder for me. What we do matters. What we do shapes the children we work with. Our work is important. You may never know the impact you have, but you are having an impact. I hope you will make the choices necessary to have a positive impact on our future, even if you never get the opportunity to hear it from a former student.
