Apr 30, 2024
3 High-impact Links
•Check out April's Jewelry at http://elizabethlassing.com/
•Interested in Hosting a Flip the Script Episode? Head HERE and tell me why
• HERE is the best link to share the podcast
Today I give the microphone to my former 8th grade student turned lifelong friend and mentee, April. I hope this conversation shows the profound impact a teacher can have on a student's life through genuine human connection, being present, and leaving the door open.
It also demonstrates how vital ONE student can be in sustaining a educator's career.
Key Moments:
• April shares the story of how Joe's presence and open door policy
as her 8th grade teacher changed the trajectory of her life when
she was feeling lost and disconnected
• We discuss the importance of treating students as human beings,
not just kids of a certain age, in order to truly connect with
them
• We explore how passion and love for an activity, like making art
as a child, can fade as people get older and more self-conscious,
and what educators can do to keep that spark alive
• April opens up about overcoming depression by choosing to look
for beauty in life each day, even amidst challenges and
setbacks
• I share an impactful classroom exercise about intentionally
looking for something beautiful or ugly, and finding whatever you
look for
• We explore the paradox many teachers face - wanting to profoundly
impact every student, while accepting that not every student will
overtly demonstrate that impact
• April offers the insight that teachers can open the door for
connection and impact, without pressuring the student to walk
through it
Powerful Quotes:
"When you're present with people, it doesn't matter how old they
are or really what their backgrounds are. If you are one human
being to another human being, and you are open to that, and you're
open to life, it is incredible what is going to come into your
life." - April
"Leaving the door open - that's what you did with me. You didn't try so hard. You just said the door is open for you. And I was the one who took the initiative to come back and talk to you." - April
"If I can give myself the self-talk and the mindset to leave the door open...I'm going to leave the door open with no pressure for you to walk in through it." - Joe Ferraro
This heartfelt conversation is for anyone who wants to have a positive impact on others. It's a reminder of the power of human connection and the ripple effects that can occur when we choose to be present and leave the door open.
As always, thanks for listening to Episode 296!
--Joe
PS: Check out the entire podcast catalog HERE