These days schools
have more students than classrooms. This
means it’s not uncommon for teachers to share their classrooms. Last week while
I was substitute teaching, a student that had come to class early to take a
test innocently asked, “Are you replacing
Mr. Simpson or Ms. Woods today?” I
replied with a smile. Still, the way he
had asked for his test and his teacher struck me. Sometimes, as someone who copes with cerebral
palsy it can feel as though the world is moving around me but there’s not
actually a definitive place for me to use my abilities in an impactful
way. This student’s question gave me something to consider: Life shouldn’t be about replacing others
rather; it should be about making our abilities and ourselves irreplaceable!
A few weeks ago I
arrived in what I consider my favorite volunteer spot. This particular group has become a second
family. It’s the goal of the
organization to make everyone who comes feel welcome to the space--- Staff, students,
and volunteers. We often refer to ourselves as family. A sense of belonging is contagious here. One staff member was so inspired by the
family culture that she created a collage of photos from our programming that
spells out the word FAMILY. It’s a creative reminder of the commitment
and care that comes with carrying out our mission. As I walked into the office and sat waiting
for students; a staff member greeted me. “Hey Julie! I was looking at the collage closely today and
recognized the back of your head. Yup, that ‘s it right there!” Wow, I replied,
that’s been there for a long time and I never noticed. “
It’s a funny thing
because as a teacher if you spend a considerable amount of time with the same
group of students you begin to recognize the qualities and quirks that make them unique individuals. It
could be their handwriting, their tone of voice, or even the back of their
heads as they move swiftly through the hallways. This time though, someone had recognized me. Most of my time in this space is spent peeling
oranges during snack, reading, mastering multiplication tables, or just talking with students. These seemingly ordinary tasks
are truly a collection of cherished memories! The experience of being spotted
in the FAMILY photo helped me realize
that even when I feel like my abilities aren’t impactful others might notice my unique qualities and quirks.
Further still, the FAMILY photo helps me
remember that my Joy, hope, sorrow, and even a little fear that I don’t fit in is exactly what makes me irreplaceable!
Photo Challenge : As we head into the holiday season try to capture a candid photo of those who you consider family in action. Then pass on a the photo with words of gratitude about the traits that make that particular loved one or friend irreplaceable to you! Recognizing the uniqueness of others is an amazing gift! Seasons greetings!
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