The Lowe Down

Everyone Has A Story

April 7, 2007

Most of us ordinary mortals that teach enter into the profession hoping that we will make a difference in our students’ lives. Many times the differences we make may go unrecognized. Teaching is basically an intrinsic job. For this reason, we must take inspiration where we can so that we can stay rejuvenated and motivated to keep doing what we do… educating our youth. Last month I had the opportunity to hear Erin Gruwell and one of her students, Maria Reyes speak at the Pathways Conference. (To hear Erin and Maria’s conversation with STARR teachers click on “Plowe Podcasts”)

Hearing her speak reminded me that we all have a story to tell. Remember when you were a child and pretended that you were the star of your own tv show or movie?   You may have acted out scenes of ”Your Show” with pajama bottoms on your head for long hair, or a towel clothes-pinned around your neck for a cape.  You knew back then that you had a story to tell.  Somewhere along the way, we sometimes forget that we have our own stories; each one unique and interesting.  Our lives get busy and we get caught up in just living our lives.  These days the Internet is allowing people to be the stars of their own reality shows with sites such as, YouTube and TeacherTube.  More and more people are living their fifteen minutes of fame online.  The average teacher doesn’t have a PR person or agent to promote their good works or stories, but all teachers have special student success stories.  That’s the beauty of being an educator, those student successes.  They keep dedicated teachers coming back to the classroom every morning.  It kept Erin Gruwell coming back to a less than wonderful teaching situation everyday.  This is a difficult time for educators.  There are many detractors and stresses.  During frustrating times, teachers should remember their triumphs, take pride in their stories and know that somewhere, at some time, a student will think of them and be thankful that their lives have been touched by their teacher’s story. 

Entry Filed under: Education. .