Everyone is Important
During Mark's first month of college, the professor gave his students a pop quiz. He was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until he read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?" Surely this was some kind of joke. He had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would he know her name? He handed in his paper, leaving the last question blank.
Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward the quiz grade. "Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They each deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'hello'". Mark never forgot that lesson. He also learned her name was Dorothy.
- In a similar fashion, I've always tried to keep strong rapport, and relationship with everyone at my school... the janitors, secretaries, cooks... everyone. They are important to the education, and to the school, just as much as the teachers are.
4 Comments:
Astute observation. I remember that my favorite teacher would sometimes eat lunch with the janitor.
Its important to remember that every person you encounter is a HUMAN BEING with the same feelings as you. They could be richer or poorer ... older or younger .... or many things. You never know how being kind to them could some day come back to YOU ... just as mistreating them could ALSO come back to you.
I look everyone I meet directly in the eye and engage them in conversation which I LISTEN to as well as participate in.
I read recently where servers in restaurants felt much better about their customers if, when the customer says 'thank you', they look into the server's eyes and acknowledge their humanity.
Good employers know this ... and use it to their advantage. I am not an employer ... but I use it too ... to my advantage. I've gotten to meet some wonderful people that way.
Great post again as usual!
Bravo to Mama Mouse for her comment. Your post holds true in all walks of life, not just a school environment.
Peace.............
Thanks for the comments, and good additional thoughts.
I appreciate it.
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