It was opening day for the Teachers at Iroquois. This wasn't your typical motivational speech. I was trying to urge the Teachers to step into the shoes of the average teenager.
Dressed as a business person would dress in a suit and tie, I asked the audience what a typical teenager might look like and then proceeded to become a teenager. Removing my suit and shirt to reveal tattoos (temporary.) while adding a nose ring, a lip ring as well as a tongue stud and eye brow stud (magnetic.) Looking like I got attacked by a staple gun, I then added a wig of multicolored hair and shades. Then, I unbuckled my pants and dropped them to the floor (I had on gym shorts.) All I was trying to do was get ready to put on a pair of baggy pants. The audience roared. I think it was probably the first time in history that a School Board President dropped his pants in front of the Teachers!
I always believe that compassion begins with empathy. To truly allow another person to feel that you can understand them, it is imperative that you step into their emotional shoes. My dress was simply a metaphorical representation of heart felt camaraderie. Wearing baggy pants can be beneficial if you get lost in the mountains. You can use them as a tent. If you are adrift in the ocean they work well as a sail. If you tie knots in the legs you can probably use them to catch fish. I only wear baggy pants to make a point.
Somewhere along life's road, we lose our compassion. Our hearts become hardened by repeated testing from the children we serve. When we take the time to remember what it's like to be a child growing up, it's easier to regain some of our compassion. It's not easy being a kid today. Ask somebody for help in dealing with some of the more challenging behavior problems. Help each other find ways to restore compassion. Together as a team, we can become more compassionate educators.
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Find new ways,
Dressed as a business person would dress in a suit and tie, I asked the audience what a typical teenager might look like and then proceeded to become a teenager. Removing my suit and shirt to reveal tattoos (temporary.) while adding a nose ring, a lip ring as well as a tongue stud and eye brow stud (magnetic.) Looking like I got attacked by a staple gun, I then added a wig of multicolored hair and shades. Then, I unbuckled my pants and dropped them to the floor (I had on gym shorts.) All I was trying to do was get ready to put on a pair of baggy pants. The audience roared. I think it was probably the first time in history that a School Board President dropped his pants in front of the Teachers!
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| The President of the Iroquois School Board. |
I always believe that compassion begins with empathy. To truly allow another person to feel that you can understand them, it is imperative that you step into their emotional shoes. My dress was simply a metaphorical representation of heart felt camaraderie. Wearing baggy pants can be beneficial if you get lost in the mountains. You can use them as a tent. If you are adrift in the ocean they work well as a sail. If you tie knots in the legs you can probably use them to catch fish. I only wear baggy pants to make a point.
Somewhere along life's road, we lose our compassion. Our hearts become hardened by repeated testing from the children we serve. When we take the time to remember what it's like to be a child growing up, it's easier to regain some of our compassion. It's not easy being a kid today. Ask somebody for help in dealing with some of the more challenging behavior problems. Help each other find ways to restore compassion. Together as a team, we can become more compassionate educators.
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody.
Find new ways,
in as many ways,
in more excellent ways,
on all of your days,
to show love."
Bob Kuebler
YWAP Director
YWAP Director
Youth With A Purpose
In School & After School
In The Mountains & In The Hood
In The Mountains & In The Hood
157 Locust Street
Buffalo, New York 14204
716-830-8240
"All Children Are Gifted"
https://www.facebook.com/MentorForce
http://thebrightspotreport.blogspot.com/
If you are looking for a speaker for parents or youth or both, please call us.
If you are looking for a speaker for parents or youth or both, please call us.
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