The Power of Influence
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I often mention the people who have influenced me the most in my life. My single mom (R.I.P.) who sacrificed so much to put me through college while raising seven other children was my biggest hero. She allowed so many other powerful women to help her assist me with getting the best education we could afford. Many of the teachers who supported me did not look like me and did not live in the public housing projects where I was raised. I am so blessed that my mother had a teachable spirit and opened her heart to all people. This allowed her to get the help that she needed to support me and my other siblings. Of course, there were a large number of strong black women also who worked with my mom and other teachers to get me into good schools and wonderful programs.
There were men involved in my life as well. My father was not there for me so the male coaches and teachers in my community and school became father-figures to many of the young men in my neighborhood, most who were living without dads. I hope you men realize how important you are in the schools and community! I want to get off my soapbox but did not want to go another day without thanking all the people who influenced and helped me along the way. No one does it alone and together we can make a difference for all children!
There is too much hate in the world and we must teach our younger generation that love is possible and wonderful. Too many children have never even heard the word love! Say it loud and clear for them. Tell them that you love them. I tell my students often that I loved them before i ever met them. Many of them begin to cry when they hear those words. Is there an influential person in your life who loved you? Why don't you share their name or story right here. We need to celebrate the real heroes in this world! Continue to be a positive influence in the lives of others, young and old!
Reader Comments (5)
Great post.
I agree, we need to let the kids in our charge know we care about them and love them. While I do not embrace much of todays popular culture, I do feel very strongly that we should share our feelings with our children, especially when it comes to our love for them. The Bible teaches us that Christ loved us as we were formed in the womb, as teachers, coaches and influencers we should love in the same way.
Ive coached in the inner-city with 70% single households, our influence is extremely important there, young men that have no model or idea about how they should act as real men and often times mirriring what they see to start the same cycle all over again. It's why we pray and do Character Development lessons at every practice and teach others how to do the same.
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“Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and the one most important of all the things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all except that they are our children.” Rosaleen Dickson
Thanks Salome, great message. We often forget some children have never experienced love, let alone unconditional love. We are God's shepards, tasked to share his love, grace and forgiveness.
Thanks for the reminder!
I was lucky to grow up with 2 parents whose love was clear. But in an especially tough year for our family, I will never forget Mrs. Fish, my kindergarten teacher. My dad was stationed overseas, my mom was struggling to raise two girls on her own and I was a tiny little girl who got picked on on her way to school. Mrs. Fish's classroom was a protective, loving haven. While I may not recall all the specifics, I can still vividly recall the sense of peace and love that washed over me each day when I walked in that room. Little did I know that her influence would one day push me towards the classroom as a teacher.
I too was blessed to have both my parents in my life. They are both 84 now, and are there for me now as much as they were growing up. They are my rocks. There were five children in our family. I was the baby; my eldest sister is 18 years older, the next one, 15, and the next sister, 13. There were 5 years between my brother and I. My sisters and I, under our parents guidance, became musicians and teachers. We have all done very well with our lives; careers, husbands, children, and grandchildren. My brother was different. He was adopted, and I called him 'the chosen one'. He became an alcoholic and a drug addict and made my parents lives very difficult. He eventually drove into a tree and was killed. However, through everything he put us through, we loved him unconditionally. I learned many things from him; how to tie my shoes, write my name, knit and appreciate Pink Floyd. It goes to show you how everyone has something to offer and no matter what, deserves our love and respect.
Thanks for your post. It's nice to be reminded of these things!
We are two students that you talked to at Theordore Rossevelt high school in Kent, Ohio. We wanted to first of all say thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to the Teaching Professions students. You have inspired us to be the person that continues to stay with the person that doesn't want help and to help them succeed.