I guess this whole semester is about teaching us the ins and outs of education. By placing us in the field for a semester, we get a first hand experience of the challenges faced everyday by teachers in the schools. With that being said, there have been a few valuable lessons I have learned so far that I would like to share in hope that they might translate to be effective in your workplace or college career.
1. Be on time. This is the first thing I always try to do. How can you be effective if you are not present? How can you make an impact if you are the shining example of tardy? If you show up on time on a consistent basis, it not only sets an example, but it gives you a chance to be prepared. If you are not on time, you better be early. I find this is when you do the most good for yourself. Administrators take notice that you are the first to get there and maybe the last to leave. Colleagues want to step up their game when they see you on top of yours. In essence, always follow the old saying, "If you're on time, you're late. If you're five minutes early, you're on time." I found this to be true in almost every facet of my life.
2. Listen. My whole life I have always been the center of attention. When I talk, people listen. I don't mean to sound cocky but that is how it has always been. Cracking a joke, telling a story, starting a conversation, it all was so characteristic of myself. Once I entered the classroom, I learned that listening to the students, who are at the center of education and what everything revolves around, can help you reach them. I am not talking about just listening to what they have to say, but rather listen for the signals that flag you and tell you something is wrong so you can help them with whatever larger problem they might have on their mind. Listen so that you can make a difference.
3. Positive Attitude. This is the most important. If you find yourself going into a situation that is dreadful, you most likely are not going to give it everything you have. I will tell you the perfect example. Look at my time in Moss Point. Had I gone in there with a negative attitude, I wouldn't have made the difference that I did in several children's lives. Putting forward a positive attitude radiates success. Be annoying. Be the one that comes in every morning that is excited to be there. Energy is contagious.
4. Finish Strong. When you do these things and come to the end of your road, as I am fast approaching the end of the semester, it is important to finish strong. Do not phase out. Do not slack off. Keep giving it 110% and you will see better results. The minute you slack off is the minute you come to terms with being less than your best. And when you do finish, do something that lets you release all that you have accomplished. Sometimes I let out a large victory yell, especially when finishing papers or lesson plans. "WHOOOOO!" I guess that is the showboat coming out in me. Let something out that will make others think that you just conquered the world. Be proud. Whatever you do, be a closer. Be a finisher. Be the man with the sign on his desk that says, "The buck stops here."
These are all lessons I have learned this semester. While they are not very exact and lean more toward concepts that individual tasks, I feel like they will help you complete those tasks in a more efficient manner. They will help you be the person that is successful that everyone looks at and says, "I want to be as passionate about my job as that guy." Be the example.
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