Greetings Followers,
I was looking at my timeline on Twitter when a quote from Dr. Maya Angelou popped up. I've heard the quote a few times, but it did not phase me then, as it did today.
I went into thought about that. I thought about my interactions with people. I analyzed it as it relates to my life and I came up with a quote of my own.
It amazes me on what a big part interaction plays on society and growth. Think about when you played in your high school band and you were competing for first chair. Who supported you? Who made you feel like you could do it? Why did you want it? Why was it so necessary that you got it? Was it the reactions from your peer? Was it the fame and responsibility that it came along with it?
I was fortunate enough to make an impact on the life of someone through my leadership. I was very new at managing people. I have always viewed myself as a leader and motivator, but not in this capacity. I never had anyone directly report to me, but I was destined to build the very best associates that I could.
There was this kid that was new to the area and company. He claimed only few friends and was shyer than 15 year-old at a junior prom. He did not talk much. He was smart though. I could tell by his detailed responses that he was no slow leak. He simply came to work, did his job, and went home. One day I made up in my mind that I was going to make him see his true potential. I began to start our meetings out with a compliment about his performance to reinforce that positive reassurance and focus on his personal enrichment. After a while, I was encouraging him to apply for better paying jobs within our company. I backed him with the confidence that I knew that he was going to make a better way for himself and his family.
Well, I guess you probably know the kid got the job; he was promoted. It was my greatest accomplishment that I had in that position. I gained the skill to recognize potential and motivate success. The kid visits me regularly. He has moved on, but always visits his favorite coach. When you invest in someone's future and show them that you believe in them, they will have your back for life.
When I was in the eleventh grade, a local African doctor collaborated with my county school system to have a writing contest within the county. The recipients would have the chance to spend two weeks abroad in The Gambia, West Africa. The trip sounded exciting, however working and attending school prevented a lot of leisurely activities for me. I had to stay focused on my academics and job. I had always had a love for literature and verse though. At the time, I had no intentions of writing an essay. If she had not spoke up, I probably wouldn't have.
LaTonja Plummer was my eleventh grade teacher. She was a beautiful dark skin lady. She drove a Corolla that displayed "1913" proudly on the front. She was a recent graduate from Georgia and had only taught for about a year. Miss Plummer was such an encouragement. She greeted us at the door daily like teachers did when we were in elementary school. It was kinda weird, but we figured that she was just happy to see us come. Miss Plummer gave us an extra credit assignment to write an essay entitled, "Why I Want to Visit the Motherland." The essay was optional, but the extra credit along with the possibility of winning the trip were added incentives. Like any 16 year old, I wrote the assignment in my agenda and simply tossed it in my backpack with no real intention to do anything further.
The week progressed and Friday had arrived before I knew it. The assignment was due, but after Chemistry and late nights working at the grocery store; anything extra was just that, "EXTRA." I did not do it. Miss Plummer walked around to collect the assignments the next day. "O'Shae, where is your paper?" I remember those words like it was yesterday. "I didn't do it." Hell after all, it was "JUST EXTRA CREDIT." She turned her nose up and said, "See me after class." I was livid. How dare she put me on blast and then request to see me after class.
The bell rang, I stayed in my desk. After all of the students cleared out of the room she asked me to approach her desk. "The reason that I am so hard on you is because I know you are trying to do what's right. I know you can write. I have read things that you have written. This essay is for extra credit and it's optional, so why not take advantage of it?" I poured out my spill about working late nights at the grocery store. She laughed and then told me about how she worked 2 jobs in college and graduated Sum Cum Laude. She also told me about how she was going to school at night to get her Master's degree. At the time, this really went in one ear and out of the other. She ended the conversation with, "O'Shae. I am going to give you until Monday to complete the assignment. No excuses!" Boy, do I NOW know what "EXCUSES" are.
With an attitude, I went home and completed the assignment. The following Monday, I submitted it and she simply smiled. Two weeks later, Mr. Bournough, our principal came over the PA to announce the winners of the essay contest. I was hopeful, but nothing like this ever happened to a guy like me. At the time, I was average. I was a simple guy with a simple agenda. I just wanted to graduate. Mr Bournogh announced that the first place winner was O'Shae Ross. I could not move! I was so overwhelmed with joy. Ms. Plummer came over and hugged me really tight and she said, "focus on success and NEVER use EXCUSES!"
I may not remember what grade I got from Ms. Plummer's class although I would put my check on either A or B, but I will forever remember how Ms. Plummer me feel. She made me feel loved, respected, and believed in.
[This picture was taken after I returned form The Gambia, W. Africa in 2004]
I was looking at my timeline on Twitter when a quote from Dr. Maya Angelou popped up. I've heard the quote a few times, but it did not phase me then, as it did today.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.- Dr. Maya Angelou
I went into thought about that. I thought about my interactions with people. I analyzed it as it relates to my life and I came up with a quote of my own.
"Think about the people that matter today, that mattered 5 years ago and those that will matter 5 years from now. Get the picture?"- Zo Ross
It amazes me on what a big part interaction plays on society and growth. Think about when you played in your high school band and you were competing for first chair. Who supported you? Who made you feel like you could do it? Why did you want it? Why was it so necessary that you got it? Was it the reactions from your peer? Was it the fame and responsibility that it came along with it?
I was fortunate enough to make an impact on the life of someone through my leadership. I was very new at managing people. I have always viewed myself as a leader and motivator, but not in this capacity. I never had anyone directly report to me, but I was destined to build the very best associates that I could.
There was this kid that was new to the area and company. He claimed only few friends and was shyer than 15 year-old at a junior prom. He did not talk much. He was smart though. I could tell by his detailed responses that he was no slow leak. He simply came to work, did his job, and went home. One day I made up in my mind that I was going to make him see his true potential. I began to start our meetings out with a compliment about his performance to reinforce that positive reassurance and focus on his personal enrichment. After a while, I was encouraging him to apply for better paying jobs within our company. I backed him with the confidence that I knew that he was going to make a better way for himself and his family.
Well, I guess you probably know the kid got the job; he was promoted. It was my greatest accomplishment that I had in that position. I gained the skill to recognize potential and motivate success. The kid visits me regularly. He has moved on, but always visits his favorite coach. When you invest in someone's future and show them that you believe in them, they will have your back for life.
People never forget how you made them feel.
When I was in the eleventh grade, a local African doctor collaborated with my county school system to have a writing contest within the county. The recipients would have the chance to spend two weeks abroad in The Gambia, West Africa. The trip sounded exciting, however working and attending school prevented a lot of leisurely activities for me. I had to stay focused on my academics and job. I had always had a love for literature and verse though. At the time, I had no intentions of writing an essay. If she had not spoke up, I probably wouldn't have.
LaTonja Plummer was my eleventh grade teacher. She was a beautiful dark skin lady. She drove a Corolla that displayed "1913" proudly on the front. She was a recent graduate from Georgia and had only taught for about a year. Miss Plummer was such an encouragement. She greeted us at the door daily like teachers did when we were in elementary school. It was kinda weird, but we figured that she was just happy to see us come. Miss Plummer gave us an extra credit assignment to write an essay entitled, "Why I Want to Visit the Motherland." The essay was optional, but the extra credit along with the possibility of winning the trip were added incentives. Like any 16 year old, I wrote the assignment in my agenda and simply tossed it in my backpack with no real intention to do anything further.
The week progressed and Friday had arrived before I knew it. The assignment was due, but after Chemistry and late nights working at the grocery store; anything extra was just that, "EXTRA." I did not do it. Miss Plummer walked around to collect the assignments the next day. "O'Shae, where is your paper?" I remember those words like it was yesterday. "I didn't do it." Hell after all, it was "JUST EXTRA CREDIT." She turned her nose up and said, "See me after class." I was livid. How dare she put me on blast and then request to see me after class.
The bell rang, I stayed in my desk. After all of the students cleared out of the room she asked me to approach her desk. "The reason that I am so hard on you is because I know you are trying to do what's right. I know you can write. I have read things that you have written. This essay is for extra credit and it's optional, so why not take advantage of it?" I poured out my spill about working late nights at the grocery store. She laughed and then told me about how she worked 2 jobs in college and graduated Sum Cum Laude. She also told me about how she was going to school at night to get her Master's degree. At the time, this really went in one ear and out of the other. She ended the conversation with, "O'Shae. I am going to give you until Monday to complete the assignment. No excuses!" Boy, do I NOW know what "EXCUSES" are.
With an attitude, I went home and completed the assignment. The following Monday, I submitted it and she simply smiled. Two weeks later, Mr. Bournough, our principal came over the PA to announce the winners of the essay contest. I was hopeful, but nothing like this ever happened to a guy like me. At the time, I was average. I was a simple guy with a simple agenda. I just wanted to graduate. Mr Bournogh announced that the first place winner was O'Shae Ross. I could not move! I was so overwhelmed with joy. Ms. Plummer came over and hugged me really tight and she said, "focus on success and NEVER use EXCUSES!"
I may not remember what grade I got from Ms. Plummer's class although I would put my check on either A or B, but I will forever remember how Ms. Plummer me feel. She made me feel loved, respected, and believed in.