Last week, a YouTube video featuring teachers from Oak Park High School in Kansas City went viral and made news. As part of what they called “The Positivity Project,” each teacher identified one student who inspired them and made them want to come to work every day. I’ll admit that I was pretty moved watching the students’ reactions to such a simple but meaningful expression.
So I’d like to invite my blog readers to try it.
Counselors and teachers, tell that student who’s inspired you just how much they make you want to come to work every day.
Students, pick a teacher or counselor who made a difference for you and tell them so. It might be the teacher who made you want to come to fourth period US History every day, a counselor who helped you through a difficult time, or any faculty member who took the time to help, guide, instruct, or inspire you.
And parents, tell your kids how and why you’re proud of them. It might be the way they set goals, the way they help with their younger siblings, the way they forge through failure, take responsibility, or always earn your trust.
Do it while these people are still in your life every day, before these great kids, with the help of their parents, teachers, and counselors, move on to college.