Words Surely Matter

A teacher reminds us that what we say really makes a difference:

I had just acquired a young Russian man about a month earlier as a student. He was doing well and was a hard worker. Having finished his university studies and gotten his first real apartment he was excited. He wanted to improve his English as well as his chances for a better job. It was evident that he wasn't happy with his job.

In our conversations--as happens with most of my students--I said to him, "I don't care what kind of work you do. Just make sure you like what you do. No matter what it is, you will be successful." I mentioned that this was something I had repeatedly said to my sons.

A couple of weeks later he called me and asked if he could come over and talk to me. Not for a lesson, just to talk. I said yes.

When he arrived he said, "I've been thinking a lot about what you said, about doing what makes you happy. I don't like what I've been doing. So I'm going back to school to do what I want. I will have to quit my English classes, and I wanted to let you know."

You couldn't smack the smile off my face.

I was so proud of him, even if I did lose a student.

We have to remember that--as teachers--everything we say can be taken seriously by our students.

Words have much power.
                                                                             
                                                                     anonymous