Yesterday, I got a message from a teacher friend where I used to teach:

I don’t know if you listen or how often you listen, but you might want to listen to today’s episode. 😁

For a little context, he’s recently created a podcast called, Once There Was A Podcast, where he talks with different people and the stories they have to tell. He’s talked with a former professional wrestler, many former speech students who were all-state performers, and so forth. It’s a pretty cool podcast, so I recommend give it a listen!

#twothumbsup

Anyway, the title, “There Was An Emerging New Writer”, where he talks with a former student, who started out going down the pre-law track but switched to English and writing. He talks with her about her experiences in college, and the reason for the change, then asks who else influenced her in her writing journey. Her mom is an author, so that was a given, but then she starts going through in chronological order, she says “The first influence teacher was Mr. Johnston in 8th grade”.

#colormeshocked

She then goes on to talk about the Slice of Life Challenge we did in class and how it was something she was excited to do. She finished by talking about a postcard that I gave her after she finished the 30 days where I wrote “I am very excited for your first book to come out and get a copy of it.” She went on to talk about a couple of high school teachers who were very similar, pushing her to write and perform.

I’ve been very open about my own self-doubt in making a difference. That’s one of the reasons I moved schools, because I felt like I was managing rather than educating. To hear a former student talk about how you’ve influenced their life, it’s huge. It’s not even an ego thing, it’s just a “wow” thing. I follow her on social media and have been so impressed with the voice she’s found outside of Northeast Iowa. It gives me a sense of pride to think I’ve played this tiny little part in what she’s finding as a passion of hers!

Anyway, when those “trash thoughts” start creeping in, know that out there, a student is living their best life because of something you did for them. It may be a kind comment, a little tough love, a 30 day writing challenge, whatever, it means something.

Those difference-making moments aren’t always right in front of you, but they are there. It may take years to play out, but someday, you’ll find yourself mentioned in a podcast, and it give you motivation to keep going forward!

You are doing good work.