Building a Legacy: The Power of Words

The school bell has rung, class is now in session.

During a time when I was a High School Teacher, we lost about 9 percent of our student body in one school year. We literally lost a student on the first day of that school year, crossing the street to go home. Grief Counselors were always at our school. The following year, the administration team developed a theme called, Powerful Beyond Measure with a focus on making good choices. I was able to dedicate at least 10 out of 90 minutes a class, on character building strategies.

After losing a particular student, and seeing his empty seat, I thought about the word, legacy. When I was in an honors English class in middle school, I had the pleasure of going on a field trip to McNeese University to hear Maya Angelou speak. We even got a chance to shake her hand. Maya Angelou’s words were so full of wisdom, that even today, they hold value.

I digress, let me return to my story. I remember talking to my students about the word legacy and things we leave behind. The particular thing we touched on was words.

WORDS

Words are so powerful.

First, I challenged students to look at their Social Media accounts. If there were any images or words on there, that they were not proud, they should change the post.

My second challenge was for them to look on their devices (phone, computer, laptop). If something were to unfortunately happen, and your loved ones were to go through your devices, what would they find? Would it be something you would be proud or ashamed of?

My third challenge was to treat people kindly. I know this does not mean that you will please everyone because even when you are nice, some people will still find unkind things to say about you. Overall, being kind will make most people remember you in a good way.

Be more concerned about building your character, that is who you are in your core.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.” ~John Wooden, Basketball Coach

The school bell has rung, class dismissed.