You'll Never Know Your Impact

Tonight was the state finals of the Ohio State Wrestling Tournament, an event I look forward to each year. On this weekend, several of my former wrestlers come up for the day for a mini reunion.  Tonight was extra special because it marked the 10th anniversary of coaching my first state champion, and even more, that school had a kid win a state title.  The first in 10 years.

I don't just look forward to this weekend to watch great wrestling, but rather to have great conversations  with my former wrestlers and students who are now successful adults.  It is great to hear how they are doing in the real world.

Today, one of my former wrestlers told me how much he appreciated me pulling him aside to talk to him at great length about a problem he was having in his personal life when he was in high school.  Here's the thing.  I had no recollection of that conversation.  I'm not doubting it happened, I just do not remember.  He did.  I guess that only reinforces the importance of what we do as educators, both good and bad.  You never know when a simple interaction, good or bad, may have a significant impact on your students.  It may be the biggest thing in their life but one of 100 things you are dealing with as an educator.  However the way you handle it will be the most important thing for that particular kid.  So a simple conversation may have a significant impact on a kid.

So in an age where people love to bash educators, paint them as horrible people, just remember, you have no idea of how much of an impact you are making on these kids.  Make sure that impact is a positive one.