Recalling MY Favorite Teacher
And what about me? Whom do I recall as my own favorite teacher? Im sure every reader of this book would like to know!
OK, youve dragged it out of me. Dr. Peter Lucchesi, my freshman college Rhetoric teacher at Stonehill College, once gave me an F for an early essay assignment. Thats right me, now a professional writer, an F for a writing assignment!
Devastated, confused, I went to speak to him about it. He received me graciously and went through his reasons for the grade. He was clear about what he felt I had done right and also wrong. To be honest, I can no longer remember what his reasons were. But I do recall he tried to help me understand why he reacted the way he did. Then he shoved me out the door to go back to my desk and try to do it over again.
I worked very hard at the second attempt. I paid scrupulous attention to every word every noun, verb, preposition, syllable. Then, trepidatiously, turned the new paper in.
About two days later, while moving through the college cafeteria on my way to the lunch line, I saw Dr. Lucchesi huddled alone at a table, slurping down some soup. As I walked near where he was, as he was right on my way, I wondered if I should approach him and ask him how I did. Naturally, I was scared about what he would say. But he spotted me at that moment and motioned me over.
You did it! he called out to me, bursting with delight. You did it! You got it right this time! Relieved, I listened to every word he had to say about what I had done to fix the problem. Then he told me the grade he had given me on the new paper: B-plus.
I never forgot the rush of good feeling I had that day for Dr. Lucchesi who cared enough to shout out to me in the middle of a noisy cafeteria that I had done well, and that he was happy for me. I realized at that moment he had been pulling for me all along. This sort of compassion means more to us than mere facts or knowledge of math formulas or chemistry equations ever could. When someone cares, when someone believes that we can do it, we get energized to prove them right. Forever after, such mentors become our favorites.
Ken Lizotte CMC is Chief Imaginative Officer (CIO) of emerson consulting group inc. (Concord, MA), which transforms consultants, law firms, executives and companies into thoughtleaders. This article is an excerpt from his newest book "Beyond Reason: Questioning Assumptions of Everyday Life".
Visit ==>http://www.thoughtleading.com for more info.
Recalling Your Favorite Teacher
Whose image comes up in your mind when you read the phrase your favorite teacher? Whose visage beams through, obscuring all t...
Control Your Own Level of Motivation
When I first mention this to most people, they really dont get it, so here is a simple formula for keeping your moods upbeat....
How to Handle a Child With ADHD
If you are the parent of a child with ADHD, then you already know the challenges that come along with this type of diagnosis....
The Formula for Preventing Depression
While it is arguable that depression is not always preventable, there are many cases, when using the following ideas, will ke...
Anti Wrinkle Creams, Who Wins?
What is the best anti wrinkle cream? In a world where wrinkles are becoming more and more prominent, people all over are sear...
A Barbecue to Cure the Winter Blues
If you are anything like me, you are probably very ready to shake off the last vestiges of winter and announce loudly and pro...
10 Tips on How to Find a School for Autistic Children
1.Find out what kind of support is available outside the district in the area. They should know this if they are at all attun...
Tips for Moving with Young Children
Moving can upset children of any age. It frequently causes them to feel apprehensive and insecure. But, dont despair; there a...
Great Holidays and Vacations
If youre asking yourself where to go for a vacation and holiday, you have to ask yourself what kind of holiday and vacation y...
Various Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Approximately 5% of the population suffers from ADD, with majority of them being children. However, it is possible for ADD to...
How to Have a Great Family Vacation at Disney World
A vacation to Walt Disney World is one your whole family will remember forever. And it is an especially exiting trip for chil...
How to Stop a Panic Attack in Its Tracks
You first notice a "funny feeling", then a tightness and pressure in your chest. It starts getting hard to breathe, like your...
Conversations in Management: Aldous Huxley - Brave New World
"Experience only teaches the teachable." -Aldous HuxleyAldous Huxley is best known today as the author of Brave New World (19...
Coaching a Leader
One of my favorite memories growing up as a child was making trips with my family to my sisters volleyball tournaments on the...
Leadership Training Seminar - What Makes A Great Leader?
At one point or another, we have all been either a leader or a follower. While both roles are equally important, a leader pl...
The Most Important Thing a Parent Can Do If Their Child Has ADD
Youre a parent, and you love your child. But youve been tearing your hair out trying to figure out why your child is acting t...
Tips on Moving with Pets
If youre a pet owner and are planning to move to a new home, remember that moving can be even more stressful for your animals...
Staying In Prague
Are you about to vacation in Prague or are you headed there for business? Whatever reason brings you to Prague you will nee...
Practical Spirituality IIA: Healing From Depression
In our last article on depression we discussed the need to: 1) Work on your self image; 2) Work on creating a good social lif...
Why Self Catering Vacation Rentals Are A Better Choice?
Vacation rentals help you travel on a budget. They are cheaper per night than moderate hotels, you can cook some of your own ...