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Making a Difference

Thank you to Holly for the amazing topics each week! 
This week was MAKING A DIFFERENCE. 

 I've been struggling with some petty issues the past few days. I've also been struggling with my own feelings of self worth...so the topic of MAKING A DIFFERENCE was challenging to say the least. Those nasty voices in my head convinced me that I had nothing to add. It made me so sad. I felt so defeated...and then I came to school today and all of that changed. 

 We are reading Linda Sue Park's book A Long Walk to Water in class. If you haven't read this book, please STOP reading this blog immediately and RUN out to get it. Read it. I'll be here. I'll wait. Go ahead!

 We talked about how hard it is to KNOW that these bad things happen. One of my students said, "I feel so bad. It's scary to know this happened and that it's real." Another student said, "If this book was fiction, this part wouldn't be hard to read at all...but these are real people. REAL PEOPLE." Yes they are!

 I look into these faces and I see the difference. They will make a difference. I feel honored to be part of their lives and to witness their growth. Do I make a difference? Yup. I do. I'm grateful for the opportunity to do this job and allow these students to see their own potential. It's their chance to make a difference. How will they change the world?

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  1. Holly MuellerNovember 14, 2014 at 3:24 PM

    Yay! So glad to see your post linked up. :-) I'm also so glad you read that book. I think it's really special, and it's made a difference in so many lives. Of course YOU make a difference!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Leigh Anne EckNovember 14, 2014 at 3:29 PM

    I think we all go through those worthless days and do I really make a difference days. It is those posts like Colby's that help us to realize that yes we do make a difference. We may see it right away, but we do. Now for you - quit beating yourself up! Although I don't live close - consider yourself hugged!

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  3. Margaret SimonNovember 14, 2014 at 6:16 PM

    It is important for us to remember we make a difference every day. Our attitude wears off. When we show kindness, our students will show kindness. Reading books like this aloud makes conversation and the opportunity for you to influence your students. I've got it on my desk ready to read aloud.

    ReplyDelete
  4. JulieanneNovember 18, 2014 at 2:05 AM

    Loved Long Walk to Water! What a great book to share with your kiddos! Read last year w/ kids. Hope to do this again. Too many books not enough time!

    ReplyDelete

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