Update from Jennifer White – 2011 Winds Scholar
Did you know that you can be a "defining moment" in a child's life?
What is a defining moment? It is a moment in time that leaves a lifetime impression on a child. These moments can positively or negatively impact the life of a child. These moments can come and go with the blink of an eye and we may not even realize what has happened. For example, I still vividly remember my first grade teacher leaning over my desk and praising my reading. I can remember the smell of her perfume and the joy in her eyes as she told me what a great reader I was. I am sure she would never remember this moment but I have treasured it all my life. I do not remember if I really was a great a reader or not but if I was not then I am sure that was the day I started to be.
As a future teacher I relish everyday that I spend with my students. I love to find moments to plant a seed in a child's mind. I love to remind them how great they are and how great they are going to be. I recently asked one of my third graders, "Do you know what I am looking at?" He replied, "No." When I told him I was looking at a winner he denied it and said he was not smart then he walked away. Later he came to me and looked in my eyes and asked if I was still looking at a winner. I enthusiastically replied, "Yes!" and now when I look at him I ask him, "What do I see?" and he exclaims, "A Winner!" I am not sure if that experience will be a defining moment for him or not but everyday I will try to be that defining moment for him and all his classmates!
We each can do this and we don't have to be teachers to create these moments. Also, it is not just the students that need these moments it is everyone, so let's all go out and create some defining moments for others and in the process we might just be surprised that the defining moment we create might just be for ourselves too!
My studies are going great and I am truly thankful for everyone's support!