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Friday, July 20, 2012

Rewards and Windfalls


About five years ago, we decided to cash in some air miles and take a trip to Las Vegas. We had booked coach and had to check a bag, so we arrived early at the airport to head to the check-in counter for our airline. I gravitated toward a nice looking lady who wasn't busy and presented my ticket. She looked at the ticket, looked at me and said, "I knew someone with this name. Did you teach English in Delaware in 1968?" I knew instantly that she was one of my former students, but I can't begin to remember all of their faces or names. I always put on a big smile and try my darndest to convince them that I remember them while I desperately look for a clue that will trigger a memory. I couldn't be happier to see them, and I'm always surprised that they remember my name even though I know my appearance has changed almost as much as theirs. Of the thousands of students and co-workers I have met, I can't remember all of them, but if they remember me, I want to make sure I make them happy that they did. I like to catch up on their lives, tell them how great they look and how well they have done for themselves.

The lady identified herself by name and the fact that she had worn a body brace for a back condition for the year that she was in my class. I really remembered her with that big clue. I always wanted to make sure she was comfortable and well treated by everyone while in my charge. For me, I felt it was my professional duty and a personal standard I hold for myself.  I knew she didn't choose the situation but tried to make the best of the circumstances. She was very sweet and a hard worker so it was easy to maintain the stiff upper lip kind of getting on with the task at hand. No one was maudlin about it, but it was necessary for everyone to carry on with appropriate politeness. When dealing with special circumstances that students have to cope with, they don't like a lot of fuss, and want to be treated just like everyone else. Staff always has to remember to consider their circumstances and not add to their burden. It is always on your mind that sensitivity to special needs should occur but without a lot of catering that would embarrass them. Kidding around a bit from time to time keeps everyone much happier.

We had a chance to catch up on her life, family and career because the airport wasn't very busy that early in the morning. She told me about enjoying the perks of working for an airline. She shared her experiences with travel and what she liked to do when she traveled to Vegas. Then she upgraded us to first class. Never expecting that, we were appropriately grateful. For me, the reward was that I was remembered in a positive light and that I had done the best I could without ever expecting any rewards. For her to remember my name after 40 years and the year that we spent together as a special one, just made my day, month, the rest of my life. It is one of the best memories of my years in education. I spent five hours sitting in first class while I enjoyed that memory.

6 comments:

  1. That is, without a doubt, what I consider to be an inspiring post. It makes me so happy to hear that when we do something with no thought of return, it comes around anyway. And everybody is happy. You have made me smile! Thank you!! :-)

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  2. What goes around, comes around, doesn't it? Treating people with dignity with no expectations of your own is indeed its own reward. Reading your story is a joy. Makes me proud to know you, and I know that the fact that your name brought good memories to a former student was a blessing for you.

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  3. I myself don't remember ALL of my teachers or their names, so I am truly impressed by your story. Congratulations!

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  4. Awwww... This is such a beautiful story. Your kindness and understanding at a difficult time in her life made a positive impression that she could carry for the rest of her life. I wish ALL teachers could be like you. Knowing you made that impact on her was bonus enough, but the First Class... Wow!

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  5. What a great story!
    Thanks for commenting on my blog. It enabled me to find you, another retired teacher! I love contact from former students. I hardly ever remember manes anymore, so I just say, "Help me out please. Tell me your name". My students were all young, 6 to 10, so the gap for them is long too.
    And first class! cool!

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  6. What a great story!
    Thanks for commenting on my blog. It enabled me to find you, another retired teacher! I love contact from former students. I hardly ever remember manes anymore, so I just say, "Help me out please. Tell me your name". My students were all young, 6 to 10, so the gap for them is long too.
    And first class! cool!

    ReplyDelete