An Encouraging Word
In the few years I was a teacher I learned a lot of things. Perhaps the most
important one of all was the glorious, life changing power of an encouraging word. I discovered
it early while I was still in college completing my student teaching hours in a local middle
school.
I had read the work Leo Buscaglia had done with his University of Southern
California students. In one exercise Leo and his students had made two lists of words, one
positive and one negative. Then they had thrown the negative words in the trash and tried to use
only the positive words for one month. They were amazed at how much better their lives became just
by using words full of kindness and encouragement.
I decided to try this as well by finding something good to write on each paper
my students handed in. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. No matter how many
errors a student’s paper contained there was always a funny sentence, beautiful thought, or great
idea that I could comment on. I remember glancing over my desk and seeing some of the students
rereading those encouraging words again and again. It was a joy seeing their eyes shine a little
brighter, their backs sit up a little straighter, and their learning climb a lot higher.
I recently saw one of my former students from that class and we talked for a
while. He was married, doing well in his job, and had two children of his own now. As I was
saying goodbye he said, "You know I still have a few of those old papers from your class. I
still look at them from time to time. I just hope my kids have as good a teacher as you." I walked
off amazed at the effect those few positive words had on his life. I thanked God too for
always giving me the words I needed as a teacher and as a writer. May your own life be forever full
of encouraging words in your ears, from your lips, and in your heart.
Joseph J. Mazzella
joemazzella@frontier.com