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October 13

 Today I am at ETV to tape a section for In Our Schools.  I am interviewed live for a segment and I have not developed the confidence and skill to do so with ease.  I was assured that I did well but I am not a spokes model for several reasons.  After the interview I go to Brooklyn Cayce High School to shoot some B-role.  This is the part that the credits or voice-overs go. 
 
As we begin shooting it become apparent that I can not even pull into a parking space correctly.  I had to do a few takes because I pulled in to fast or did not look natural getting out of my car.  Then I had to do three takes of walking in the school.  I must need to work on my strut.  As I walk in I take the time to shake a young mans hand.  It is not what the camera crew wanted but it is what he needed.  It is odd how sometimes you feel a need to speak to a student and they open up.  That is what happened.  This disheveled young man was leaving school this day and was upset.  He opened up and explained why he had to leave and how disappointed he was to have to do so to a complete stranger with a camera crew.  I listened and allowed him to talk.  I doubt that he will ever remember this day but I never forget him.  This moment embodies an important part of teaching. The relationships we build with our students.  It does not show up on tests or school report cards.  However it shows up in their lives.  Those little conversations, that pat on the back, or a little word of encouragement sometimes has a very large impact on a student.  Make a point this year to make an impact on each one of your students!  It won’t improve test scores but it just may improve a life.
 
I drive to CERRA to meet concerning a large grant.  The meeting was a great start for aligning the CERRA’s mission with the grant.  Then I have to begin packing things to go to the Applied Technology Center where tomorrow’s regional forum will be held.
 
As I enter the room where the meeting is being held my jaw goes slack.  Jason looks at me with astonishment.  The table settings look like a five-star restaurant.   There are roses on the table and more forks than a country boy knows what to do with.  The worse part is that it is so ornate and appointed that the participants will not be able to work on the tables. I now have a remove the table settings for the forum.  I have the onerous task of letting Martha know that I have to undo all the hard work that she put into this arrangement.  I have a flash back to my childhood of that long walk to my father’s naguhide recliner to confess to breaking a window.  I have to do it but it will not be fun.
 
We work until after 8 p.m. getting the room ready for the forum.  I am excited and nervous about the day.  But it has been a long day and I have to get home.  Upon arriving home I am greeted by a cheerless face and the words “Dad we have to talk.”  This camel’s back is sore and about to break but being a parent is a 24-7 proposition.

 

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