"To the young lady with the loud, clear voice." These were the words that my 4th grade teacher wrote on the back of a school picture many years ago. I have no idea where that picture and note are now, but I can see the words as if they were in front of me.
I was a shy, quiet student, but Mrs. Putman had me read aloud at mass, and she praised me for my efforts. She made it clear that she thought I was a good public speaker. To this day, I still think of her words, and I am positive they have given me the confidence I possess in my public speaking skills.
I tell this story, because I have been thinking a lot lately about the power of words. Mrs. Putman's words gave me confidence that I have carried with me for years. I imagine she doesn't remember writing those words, but they will stick with me forever. It makes me wonder what words my children and students will remember coming from me. Will I leave them with memories of confidence and encouragement? I hope so. Out of all the things that Mrs. Putman taught me that year, the math, the language arts, the science . . . what truly stuck with me were those nine words.
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