Dad gave a speech...



So, I'm just hearing a few whispers around town about something that happened today.

My dad gave a speech today.
He's a teacher, it wasn't like a spontaneous rant at the pub or anything.
He's the deputy head of a pretty big school where I live.

He's been at that school for a little over twenty years.
I didn't go to that school, but I get the idea that my dad is a pretty well-liked guy at the school.

Any way.... today he addressed the students on their last day of 2014.

And received a standing ovation.

I don't know if you know many teenagers, but I don't imagine that standing and applauding teachers is something that they do every day. Or ever.
That makes me really proud.

Point here is this, he had something to say to those young people which was supposed to inspire them. And from all reports it did.

I once met a guy that Dad taught some time ago, and he told me he remembered exactly what my Dad had said to him and his class on their last day of high school. THIRTY YEARS AGO.
And he said he followed his advice, which was to go out and see the world and grow through experience.

So, I guess what has really occurred to me is this.... words are powerful.
Really powerful.
They build people up and they can strip them down.

I'm not denying that it takes a certain kind of person to stand up in front of 1000 people and hit the nail on the head like Dad did today, but we have all had people cross our paths who have made a difference.

So, anyway. I'm proud of my Dad, for certain, but I am also happy for the students who have been inspired by his wisdom and acknowledgment that he also learns from them every day.

This ties in closely with what a lot of mums my age are going through at the moment. Uncertain of what lies ahead for them. Baby's off to school, out of date qualifications, lack of confidence, fresh starts, relaunching old careers or embarking on new dreams.

Dig deep and think of a time you were inspired.
Dream big.
Remember, someone believes in you.

xxxx