Life has blessed me with the immense opportunity and
privilege to have made a difference in many young lives.My career in education started in the late
1980s and spanned until a year or so ago.I taught hundreds of children how to bring literature to life, write
whimsical tales and read fluently. However, the most important thing I taught
anyone was compassion and self respect. That was relayed upon these young minds
through example and storytelling.It
came across through my simply loving them and listening to their stories. It
reached their hearts through how I'd look at them and greet them in the
morning.It stayed with them because it
was sincere and heartfelt.
That skill and open heartedness permeated my life and way of
being. It was like a Zen practice and
just became the way I interact with people.Upon meeting me, most people feel it.It is a warm understanding and appreciation of another person's
being.It is rooted in my own
understanding and acceptance of me.
Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to travel around
the country and spread this method of teaching to many school districts and
teachers.As I was teaching them how to
use innovative technologies and software, I also taught them teaching
strategies that inspire both children and adults alike.I spoke very openly about compassion.Technology is just an excuse, I'd tell them.
Basically, I truly believe that the best way to make a
difference is to live according to your beliefs.Live with conviction, principals and
integrity...it doesn't have to be exposed or berated. Just live the example and
live the dream.
This type of attitude permeates your life and instantly
influences others.There is no escaping
it.
