Often, we don’t realize how and when our words and actions will come back to us. As I write this, it is early in the morning, and though I usually post only once a week, I am sharing some more words with you. They are not my words.
This was the first thing that I read this morning. It was sent to me on Facebook messenger. I have not edited the post, so please be warned that it contains some strong language.
“Hey I know you had a shit ton of kids u taught and I’m not too sure that u remember me but I just wanna let u know when I was in 7th -8th grade in 2013-2014 , u followed me on instagram and you noticed my dark posts and u talked me out of committing suicide at the time u probably don’t know it but u reaching out saved my life and got me into getting therapy , I now have 2 jobs ( the economy blows but there’s not a chance I wasn’t gonna try to make a joke while connecting with u lol ) but I work hard and have a sense of pride with my life and I’m past those dark times but I want u to know you had a huge impact on me as a kid #MoeschensMafia4ever”
Not only do I remember this young man, I have a vivid recollection of taking him out of a large group activity in the gym as he was acting like a dope in the bleachers and yelling not so nice comments at others. I sat him down in my classroom and said something along the lines of:
“Dude. Let me tell you what I know. You are hanging around with morons and it seems that you like the spotlight. I get it, but here is the difference that I have seen from you in class: you are smarter than all of those guys, maybe smarter than all of them put together. They may or may not figure it out as they grow up, but you are already there. You’re sitting on a winning lottery ticket with the brain that you have and if you continue to make the choices that you are making now, you are going to find yourself in a spot that may change your life path. I’m talking about a few years from now when your buddies are drinking or getting high and though you may not be…..everyone will be at a party or be in a car and get arrested. You will be screwed simply because you were there. Think about that as you think about this: some people grow up and others don’t. Where do you land? Well, in my view you already land in the ‘grow up’ pack….because you are intelligent. You pay attention in my class, and you give thoughtful answers and arguments. You don’t speak out just to be heard or be funny. You add to the discussion way more than you take away. I want you to remember this. You also need to know that the only thing you can’t stop is time. It’s going to go by fast, and you will be in your 20’s wondering what the hell you want from life. Don’t screw up your potential that you have with the brain that you have been given. I am going to be watching you and I will help when I can, but I won’t see everything. Think about all of this as you go to the high school. Things get real over there and your grades, AND your behavior will count. One last thing…..don’t be too chicken to cash in your lottery ticket. I know you think it’s cool to act dumb in front of your buddies, but it’s really the opposite. Now get out of here and go enjoy the game.”
I had no idea how my words would land until an hour ago.
Connections matter. Good for you kid. Go kick ass.
Stay safe, stay awesome and stay connected.
Moeschen! 