Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Little star
It's Reb's third day in school and today she brought home a little star. She showed it to me with pride. "From Teacher Lido!" she told me excitedly.It always amazes me how kids can be so excited with such mundane things. It takes so little to make them laugh. I make a face and Reb laughs. Geez, when someone makes a face at me I probably would give a look that can kill. But no. Now I am slowly being transformed from a near cynic to an optimist.
I am trying to remember the last time I felt excited about going to school. It seems to me like...never. But I know I did. I know I was like Reb before. When learning seemed to be fun. But why did I lose that enthusiasm? And when?Can it be because most of my teachers didn't really connect with me? Maybe. It really takes a special kind of teacher to mentor. I can name a few who have left a mark in my life. Sadly, they are the exceptions. Imagine how my school life would have turned out if I was able to connect with all of them!
I hope Reb encounters more mentors in her school life than I did. It really makes a whole lot of difference. A mentor can change your life...can open your eyes and make you realize your potential. A mentor can make you see your purpose in life. To put it simply, a mentor imparts a kind of wisdom that speaks not just to the mind of a student but to the heart as well.
...and that's what makes a star...
