From A School Principal's Speech on Graduation Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

Throughout my years of teaching I have learned that money is not the most effective motivator. I have discovered that making a difference, living a meaningful life will always be more powerful and will make people more successful. My students have taught me that success is about leaving a mark, making a difference, and living life with a purpose--much like the point of an effective piece of writing.

This post reminds me of my purpose as a teacher; my students make me a better teacher, a better person, and I hope I have in some way reciprocated this notion in their lives as they move on from my classroom.

A former student sent this to me and it rings true to my heart, so I am sharing it here.

To all of my students--past, present and future--I thank you for teaching me this important lesson that, unfortunately most people do not realize until their lives are nearing the end . . . I challenge you and everyone reading this to realize this truth early in life and to pass it on.

From A School Principal's Speech on Graduation Day

 

A principal of a grammar school tells a story about a dinner party discussion. The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One guest says: "The Doctor wants his child to become a doctor.........
the engineer wants his child to become an engineer......
The businessman wants his ward to become CEO.....
BUT a teacher also wants his child to become one of them, as well..!!!!
Nobody wants to become a teacher BY CHOICE" ....Very sad but that's the truth.....!!!

 One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become only a teacher?"

To stress his point he said to another guest;
"You're a teacher, Mrs. Singh. Be honest. What do you make?"

Mrs. Singh, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?
(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make kids sit through 1 hr of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 min. without an I-Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?
(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them how to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know about India while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they
were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Mrs. Singh paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know what I make..??

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ALL YOUR LIVES, EDUCATING KIDS AND PREPARING THEM TO BECOME CEO's, AND DOCTORS AND ENGINEERS..........

What do you make Mr. CEO?

His jaw dropped; he went silent.