Positive Takeaways Today: People Are Not Bad

Today at #NAESP15 I have connected with many great educators and had the pleasure to hear some great speakers including @ErikWahl, @ToddWhitaker, and @AnnnetteBreaux. The thing that resonates the most with me today is to continue to use my passion for education, students, and teachers and try my best to make this world a better place. We have so much power as educators to model, practice, and encourage kindness, creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. Helping students learn to be innovative and establish a good digital footprint is so critical in this world of ever-advancing technology.

Today the words of Erik Wahl speak to me: social media is not bad; it can be used for good or bad. TV is not bad; it can be used for good or bad. Credit cards are not bad; they can be used for good or bad. I add to that: people are not bad; they can do good or bad.

I continue my efforts and mission in life to use these devices, vehicles, and people for the better--for the good--for the greatness that they all can be.  Our students have so much potential, and it is the job of the home and school to develop that. I feel it is my duty to continue to find the good in all. Students would hear from me and will continue to hear from me if they make a bad choice, "You are not a bad person; you made a mistake. I make mistakes. We all make bad choices from time to time, and it's if we choose to learn from that mistake what matters the most."

People are not bad. All of us have the potential to bring greatness in the world. It's our choice to choose good or bad, positive or negative. Sometimes this is a difficult choice, but for me, it's the only choice. Thinking outside of the box, loving people for who they are, helping myself and others to become better people are all objectives in choosing to do and be good. This is no easy task in this world.

Today the quote, "We cannot help a kid by being negative in his life" by Annette Breaux confirms my mission and passion. We cannot help the profession by being negative or submitting to negativity. While it may be difficult to ignore it, it's all a part of the profession.  It's not always easy being positive, but it's our job--it's what education needs. Negativity lives in the world and in some people's minds and hearts. Positivity is the light to this darkness. I am proud to use this light to guide myself, my building, my district, and my state on a professional level and myself, friends, and my children on a personal level. Everyone can choose to do this. Help me share the light.  Be and spread positivity. May the force of the light be with you!

With Todd Whitaker and Annette Breaux who spread their light on me today!