Ripples

If you are like my wife, you are excited to know that Hallmark movies have begun. Each year, she can’t get enough of the never-ending heartwarming holiday movies. A few years ago, we sat down as a family and watched one starring Candace Cameron Bure, also known as DJ Tanner from Full House and Fuller House. As is typical with Hallmark, the movie was a partial love story. It was titled “Journey Back to Christmas,” and despite its occasional corniness, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

During the movie, a particular phrase resonated with me, and I couldn’t help but relate it to the far-reaching impact educators have on their students. The quote was, “Even the smallest stone makes a ripple in the water.”

We may consider ourselves small stones in the grand scheme of our students’ lives, but the ripples we create extend far beyond our immediate reach. Our interactions, our teachings, and the emotional connections we forge leave an indelible mark on the lives of our students. While we may not always witness the full extent of our influence, rest assured that it is there.

Not too long ago, a teacher shared a card they received unexpectedly from a former student. The teacher had only vague memories of this student, but the card revealed the profound impact they had on the student’s life. It was the teacher who inspired the student to pursue a specific profession, and to this day, that student remains passionate about the subject the teacher taught.

Perhaps you have a similar story in your own journey. A story of a student returning later in life to express just how much your influence shaped their path. And if you haven’t encountered such a moment yet, I urge you to give it time – you will. What you do as an educator matters immensely, and it continues to matter long after your students leave your classroom.

As Henry Adams once said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Every lesson, every word of encouragement, and every act of kindness has the potential to create ripples that reach beyond the boundaries of our classrooms.

“To teach is to touch a life forever.” These anonymous words highlight the enduring significance of our profession. We shape futures, inspire dreams, and leave lasting imprints on the hearts and minds of the next generation. Our impact is immeasurable.