You Never Know Whose Looking Up to You
Hi all! Quick Friday thoughts...
So, I have been subbing since the first of October in the local school system. Mainly the younger grades (primary 5th and under) and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect of this age group. I know I want to be a professor one day, but little didn't I think of the impact young kids would have on me...
First off, young kids are impressionable. They are honest, sweet, and give hugs and compliments without second thoughts. Today, I had a random second-grade girl tell me I was gorgeous - all, while I was trying to make sure the class I was subbing for, didn't get trampled, handle an issue between two kids, and let kids get water. Little did she know that made my day! I will also never forget being super nervous and wearing boots with heels (boots make me feel confident - I know cliche) my first few days subbing (and of course my favorite skirts) and to have little girls come up to me and say "your pretty," "I like your hair," or "I like your boots."
I do love these compliments but I also want to hit on another topic, how you carry yourself is important too. I have had students come up to me and ask me to come back, will I sub again, or that I am nice (this is after I do have to enforce discipline - which kids need)... It's not all about appearances - its how you act. By nature, I am a very soft-spoken person and I have been told to be louder (I had one student tell me that I needed to raise my voice louder to get everyone to come to line up - after being at my highest volume - but I can belt when it comes to singing so yea). Kids pick up to the tone of voice - they will be receptive if you raise your voice but do it with love (seems counterintuitive but they can sense it). I am in a district (and my schools of choice) are kids that come from all walks of life and they work hard and are so full of love - and often time just need someone to be firm but understanding. Also, one can't forget positivity and encouragement. As adults, we need to be more like the younger kids that compliment us when we are least expecting it. I try to always be encouraging to those who need it the most - its easy for a child to say "I can't do it" but they do try if you tell them they can - even if they fight you on it (I had a fifth grader tell me she just couldn't do fractions, but when I told her she COULD do it - she did it (though she kept saying she couldn't - she knew I believed she could))... and there are so many more that have happened and to come :).
So - think about it? Who was most impressionable on you when you were younger? What about now? At 25, I still look to those who are "mentors" to me. I can tell you different things I learned from many of my teachers, professors, and other adults who came into my life as a child, teenager, and adolescent that helped mold me as a person, especially as a child that came from a rough upbringing. It wasn't always easy for me to see what they saw in me (honestly, I can still remember 10 years, as a 15-year-old - who was full of emotions that I didn't understand, no support when it came to education, and so much hurt - and I had a writing/English teacher - who thought I was creative, kind, and going places - and I looked up to her in many ways at that age) - and I honestly can't forget my mentor who guided me with the utmost patience, nurturing (which isn't easy for me since I had to grow up faster than I should have), and again, saw natural ability (for those of you who follow will know exactly who I am talking about when I mentioned I laughed when she asked me to do mosquito research)... and so many more...
Remember, next time you are around kids, be sure to be someone they remember! You never know what anyone is going through, especially a kid - who has a long time to develop and grow into their full potential!
So, I have been subbing since the first of October in the local school system. Mainly the younger grades (primary 5th and under) and to be honest, I didn't know what to expect of this age group. I know I want to be a professor one day, but little didn't I think of the impact young kids would have on me...
First off, young kids are impressionable. They are honest, sweet, and give hugs and compliments without second thoughts. Today, I had a random second-grade girl tell me I was gorgeous - all, while I was trying to make sure the class I was subbing for, didn't get trampled, handle an issue between two kids, and let kids get water. Little did she know that made my day! I will also never forget being super nervous and wearing boots with heels (boots make me feel confident - I know cliche) my first few days subbing (and of course my favorite skirts) and to have little girls come up to me and say "your pretty," "I like your hair," or "I like your boots."
I do love these compliments but I also want to hit on another topic, how you carry yourself is important too. I have had students come up to me and ask me to come back, will I sub again, or that I am nice (this is after I do have to enforce discipline - which kids need)... It's not all about appearances - its how you act. By nature, I am a very soft-spoken person and I have been told to be louder (I had one student tell me that I needed to raise my voice louder to get everyone to come to line up - after being at my highest volume - but I can belt when it comes to singing so yea). Kids pick up to the tone of voice - they will be receptive if you raise your voice but do it with love (seems counterintuitive but they can sense it). I am in a district (and my schools of choice) are kids that come from all walks of life and they work hard and are so full of love - and often time just need someone to be firm but understanding. Also, one can't forget positivity and encouragement. As adults, we need to be more like the younger kids that compliment us when we are least expecting it. I try to always be encouraging to those who need it the most - its easy for a child to say "I can't do it" but they do try if you tell them they can - even if they fight you on it (I had a fifth grader tell me she just couldn't do fractions, but when I told her she COULD do it - she did it (though she kept saying she couldn't - she knew I believed she could))... and there are so many more that have happened and to come :).
So - think about it? Who was most impressionable on you when you were younger? What about now? At 25, I still look to those who are "mentors" to me. I can tell you different things I learned from many of my teachers, professors, and other adults who came into my life as a child, teenager, and adolescent that helped mold me as a person, especially as a child that came from a rough upbringing. It wasn't always easy for me to see what they saw in me (honestly, I can still remember 10 years, as a 15-year-old - who was full of emotions that I didn't understand, no support when it came to education, and so much hurt - and I had a writing/English teacher - who thought I was creative, kind, and going places - and I looked up to her in many ways at that age) - and I honestly can't forget my mentor who guided me with the utmost patience, nurturing (which isn't easy for me since I had to grow up faster than I should have), and again, saw natural ability (for those of you who follow will know exactly who I am talking about when I mentioned I laughed when she asked me to do mosquito research)... and so many more...
Remember, next time you are around kids, be sure to be someone they remember! You never know what anyone is going through, especially a kid - who has a long time to develop and grow into their full potential!
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