Great Expectations

While I was attending university, I was finishing up one of my final exams, just about ready to hand it in. My professor, Dr. Navin, walked by, stopped and leaned across my desk. He whispered to me "I expect great things from you" and walked away.

I’m sure my jaw dropped!

My heart sank and I sat there in a panic. My answers weren’t great, were they? Instead of handing in that exam, I sat there for another hour and a half trying to make my answers greater! At that moment, I surely didn’t appreciate Dr. Navin’s words!

Later in life, however, I often stopped and repeated those words to myself, asking "is this great?" My expectation of myself had shifted as a result of my teacher’s words.

I don’t know what Dr. Navin’s expectations of greatness were for me - or if I’m in any way meeting those expectations.

I do know, however, that his words have had an effect on my life. By taking that moment to tell me, his expectations revealed possibilities I hadn’t considered - and I learned that I could have great expectations of myself. I still strive to achieve more, to learn more, and to share that with the world.

I came across a posting recently by Pete Reilly about teachers:

"... My prayer is that you stay true to the feeling that led you to this wonderful profession. Look out at the great expanse of the coming year and remember that every one of the students you will encounter offers you a gift; the gift of themselves. Each of them is unique and each has his or her special gifts. Most of them look up to you, for you are the "living curriculum". Commit yourself to being that teacher, the one that made such a positive difference in another’s life. Commit yourself to being that teacher for all your students, not just a chosen few."

In this age of rushed agendas, huge workloads and so little time, we can quickly feel overwhelmed and powerless to change. As teachers or parents, we’re in such a rush that it’s easy to forget to stop and acknowledge the great stuff about our kids.

Remember to take just a moment every day to plant seeds of positive expectation - and trust that young minds are fertile soil.

Thank you Dr. Navin!

1. http://preilly.wordpress.com/2007/08/25/my-prayer/

Kevin Amboe (2007-09-03 22:02:27)

Thanks Heidi, It is true that if we expect more from our students, they will rise to the challenge. You have risen to the challenge.

The challenge is to continue to pass on those seeds of expectations. What I love about teaching today is that I can empower teachers to step aside and let the students lead. I will remember to encourage them to expect great things while they teach from the sidelines and set up seeds of great expectations for their students. Kevin

heidi (2007-09-05 22:51:41)

Hi Kevin, I like your point about being able to step aside to allow our children to lead. I also believe that, as parents and teachers, we set the stage, but it’s their show, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Heidi

(originally published August 29, 2007 at iwasthinking.ca)