My presentation at San Marcos ISD was a huge success. There was 1000 teachers, administrators and support staff in attendance. The main theme was about building positive relationship with students and having high expectation for success. Perfect for the type of message I deliver. By the end of the presentation, I had the audience on their feet giving the second of two standing ovations.
Since, I have been receiving a slew of emails expressing thanks and commenting on the impact of the presentation. One in particular, I would like to share. I have shortened it so as to get to the heart of the her words.
Mr. Santana
I do understand what you mean about breathing life or death into others by our actions and speech. I remember a young man on my bus. They said he ran his mothers boyfriend out of the house with a butcher knife. I was scared. He dressed just like you did. I sat next to him hoping to keep the peace on the bus. There was friction between the driver and this young man. I knew the boy was not doing anything wrong but sleeping. I told the boy “If the driver tells you something just let me handle it”. Angrily he said “but I am not doing anything”. I told him “I know”. I told him he would loose his credibility if he argued with the driver. He agreed to let me handle the driver. Things came to a head and the driver decided he would just seek employment elsewhere. The young man told me the next day with tears in his eyes that I had been the only one in his life that had backed him and actually believed him innocent of wrongdoing. The young man soon moved away with his aunt.
A year later while visiting my grandfather in the nursing home I saw him again. He was sitting with his grandmother and aunt outside the door. I didn’t recognize him. He had lost weight and was wearing nice clothes with his shirt tucked in! He called “Miss” a sure bet he knew me from school. He introduced himself and his family and told me thank you again. He said he had turned his life around and was doing well and working. Praise God!
You are absolutely correct, we must sow into these young lives and look past their demeanor to help them explore their best self in a safe and supportive environment. Thank you again for your moving testimony. God Bless you.
Henrietta
Thank you San Marcos ISD, for giving me the opportunity to present to you. My next stop is Houston at Alief ISD. I hope I can continue the energy.