A Chance to Feel Good
I had a great adventure this past Wednesday. Let me share it with you.
It started back in the late 1970's when I was a young teacher, working at my first school. In one of the grade 4 classes I taught was a boy who has stayed in my memory ever since as "little Robbie". This kid was one of the types that every teacher loves to have as a student - inquisitive and eager to learn, respectful and polite, just a little mischievous with a great sense of humour. He stayed with me through all the years that followed as one of the highlights of my years in the classroom.
Fast forward now to a few years ago when a friend of mine was assigned as an education assistant to a classroom where the teacher's first name was Rob. Nothing to catch my interest, until one day when she used his surname to refer to him. Says I, "I once taught a little Robbie by that name." Didn't it turn out to be my former student? I had a wonderful reunion-type meeting with him during which he paid me the very special compliment of saying that I was one of his inspirations to choose a career in education. His wife was expecting their second child and so I enjoyed crocheting a baby blanket for his little one.
Some time passed, and he moved on to another school. This year, my friend began to work at the high school where he now teaches, partnering with him again, and that's how my great adventure came about. She told me they were taking his class to a local arena for some ice time and asked if I would be interested in joining the group. I happily agreed to do just that, and so I found myself this past Wednesday lacing up my skates and being introduced to his students as his grade 4 teacher. The boys were all interested in that, to some degree or other, or at least they seemed to be. I wasn't quite sure with one or two of them, because these students are special young men. You see, my "little Robbie", strapping young fellow that he is now, teaches a multiple exceptionality class, and some of his students are autistic.
I knew that before I went, but I have never before had the privilege to work with such a group. I was indeed privileged that day. They are people to whom life has dealt a lousy hand. They are people who will have to deal with the societal perception of them as less than understandable or desirable. I know they are individuals for whom there will always be a struggle to be faced, but this past Wednesday they were just another bunch of kids out there on the ice, having a good time, and I got to be part of it. We laughed together and the hour sped by on silver blades. They accepted me and allowed me to help them if they needed it or to applaud them while they showed off their prowess on the frozen surface. They made my world a pretty special place for a short time and I thank them all.
That adventure was one of the reasons why I had tears in my eyes when I viewed the video I've included here. It shows a young man like some of those with whom I shared that afternoon. It is proof that there is a place for each and every one of us, if only those around us will move over and make a little room. It doesn't take long to watch it, but it sure gives you a chance to feel good, for a minute or two.
It started back in the late 1970's when I was a young teacher, working at my first school. In one of the grade 4 classes I taught was a boy who has stayed in my memory ever since as "little Robbie". This kid was one of the types that every teacher loves to have as a student - inquisitive and eager to learn, respectful and polite, just a little mischievous with a great sense of humour. He stayed with me through all the years that followed as one of the highlights of my years in the classroom.
Fast forward now to a few years ago when a friend of mine was assigned as an education assistant to a classroom where the teacher's first name was Rob. Nothing to catch my interest, until one day when she used his surname to refer to him. Says I, "I once taught a little Robbie by that name." Didn't it turn out to be my former student? I had a wonderful reunion-type meeting with him during which he paid me the very special compliment of saying that I was one of his inspirations to choose a career in education. His wife was expecting their second child and so I enjoyed crocheting a baby blanket for his little one.
Some time passed, and he moved on to another school. This year, my friend began to work at the high school where he now teaches, partnering with him again, and that's how my great adventure came about. She told me they were taking his class to a local arena for some ice time and asked if I would be interested in joining the group. I happily agreed to do just that, and so I found myself this past Wednesday lacing up my skates and being introduced to his students as his grade 4 teacher. The boys were all interested in that, to some degree or other, or at least they seemed to be. I wasn't quite sure with one or two of them, because these students are special young men. You see, my "little Robbie", strapping young fellow that he is now, teaches a multiple exceptionality class, and some of his students are autistic.
I knew that before I went, but I have never before had the privilege to work with such a group. I was indeed privileged that day. They are people to whom life has dealt a lousy hand. They are people who will have to deal with the societal perception of them as less than understandable or desirable. I know they are individuals for whom there will always be a struggle to be faced, but this past Wednesday they were just another bunch of kids out there on the ice, having a good time, and I got to be part of it. We laughed together and the hour sped by on silver blades. They accepted me and allowed me to help them if they needed it or to applaud them while they showed off their prowess on the frozen surface. They made my world a pretty special place for a short time and I thank them all.
That adventure was one of the reasons why I had tears in my eyes when I viewed the video I've included here. It shows a young man like some of those with whom I shared that afternoon. It is proof that there is a place for each and every one of us, if only those around us will move over and make a little room. It doesn't take long to watch it, but it sure gives you a chance to feel good, for a minute or two.
2 Comments:
Yup, great video!
And, good story. Just goes to show you -- everyday, we all have an opportunity to make such an impact on someone else's life. How many of us take those opportunities to have a positive impact?
(And another way of looking at it, how many of us allow ourselves to be so inspired?)
Great post!
Great video and great post. Making a positive impact on someone's life can change that life in ways you never knew. I have had two teachers like that.
My grade two teacher Mrs. Bornyk was amazing. She introduced me to my love of books.
In highschool, Mrs. Lang taught me Social studies for two semesters. She is easily one of the best teachers I ever had. I had so many good teachers that I owe them more than thanks could ever allow. They all positively impacted my life. I could have been just another inner-city girl but they truly changed me in ways. They made me achieve.
Thanks so much for your comments on my blog. It means so much to me when people I admire leave a comment.
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