Serendipity

The other day I saw this on Facebook. I think a teacher friend re-posted it from a teacher group page.

While the aesthetics of the piece don’t work for me at all, and while I don’t work with “children,” per se, but adolescents and young adults, the message is a great one for any educator, for anyone who works with other people, really, because aren’t we really all working with children every day in one way or the other? Anyway, I digress, the point is, I think this is something that’s important to remember when it feels like one isn’t reaching students.

The next day, on the Facebook page for my coaching and tutoring, a former student who, it seemed to me begrudgingly if not resentfully showed up (when she felt like it) at her appointed time once a week for three-plus years, posted a review that reads:

“Jamie is the coolest and most down-to-earth tutor I have ever had. He works with students (like myself) to not only help them advance their skills as writers but as well engages their interests as individuals. He knows that the kids he works with are smart, even though they may struggle to communicate that. The energy and perseverance he brings to those he tutors allow even the moodiest, and most unwilling students (by which I mean myself haha) to open up and bloom. He has a wonderful sense of humor, and clearly loves the work he does. He has been a truly wonderful presence and support in my academic career and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him!”

… which left me looking like this …

… that is, a tad emotional.

I guess the point is that, in this work, every now and then I get a wonderful reminder that it can sometimes be hard to tell when you’re reaching/helping someone, and of the good a patient, attentive coach can do.

Onward!