Do This One Thing Today
Imagine someone approaches and offers you a bracelet that says, “I Make a Difference What would you say? How would you feel?
That is what a Vicki Simmons, a teacher at Hayne’s Inman-Education Center in North Carolina, did for me. She helped me realize by this simple gesture how I made a positive difference in her life. Yet, it was what she did next that was even more worthwhile.
Vicki left another bracelet on my desk with a note saying, “Give this to someone who makes a difference in your life.” This prompted me to reflect on individuals who have impacted my life. I also began to question whether I ever told them how they make a difference.
I first thought of my family. I have a large family that contributes to my life in unique and meaningful ways. Next, I considered close friends and teachers and how they motivated me to achieve my dreams. I hope my family, friends, and former teachers know the incredible difference they’ve made in my life. There are also other individuals who are inspirational and offer an abundance of encouragement. I don’t believe they know how much their presence and words mean during trying times. I need to tell them. This week, I will make time to ensure they understand the difference their actions have made in my life.
I also thought of my students. You know…those students who teach you just as much as you teach them. There are certain students who leave a mark on your life and make all the difference. Many of my students help open my eyes to different perspectives and new ideas. I can still remember the look on one of my students’ faces when I simply let her know how much I appreciated teaching her. Those students who always help you pass out papers, help others self-manage their behavior or the ones you can count on to be leaders need to know you appreciate them. Let your students know the difference they make in your class and in your life.
As a teacher, I hope you understand that you make a difference every day in the life of a child. Students will not always say how you influence them. For some, you may never know your impact. I encourage you to share this opportunity with your students. Help students to understand and acknowledge when they impact the lives of others in positive ways. I urge you to ask students to also reflect on the people that have changed their lives. Invite them to write letters or make video messages for the people in their lives who encourage and motivate them. Hold a class event, and let students write a speech about how the person has impacted their lives. Invite the person to the event, and allow the students to acknowledge and thank them in front of their peers.
Whether you are a cashier, nurse, police officer, pastor, teacher, stay at home mom, a bus driver, or CEO, you can make a positive difference in the lives of others. Regardless of our career paths, we all interact with others each day and can make a powerful impact. Is there someone in your life who made all the difference and has no idea? Who, in your life, deserves an “I Make a Difference” bracelet? If you can’t give them a bracelet, there are simple things you can do to show your gratitude. You could write them a letter, send them a text, or pick up the phone and tell them. An idea might be to share it on social media or create a video message to share with others. Whatever you do… don’t wait to let the people in your life know how they have impacted you. I hope you will take time to do this one thing today.
