The Impacts of People

Greetings everyone!

I hope you are all doing well today. I have been thinking a lot about the people who shaped me in one way or another. I strongly believe we meet people for one reason or another. I am fortunate to have met many people throughout my life who were a blessing or a lesson. I have a great admiration and respect for teachers and support staff who work in the schools. I did not have the best school experiences; however, I express gratitude. I have taught at different intervals, which is something I enjoy. People always recognize me and ask me if I worked in one place or another. It is wonderful to be remembered since most of the jobs were worked during my teen years and early 20s. I held many jobs in my life, with the shortest lasting one week, and the longest being sixteen years (and counting). I met many people. I have always believed in helping people. I also try to be for others what I wish people were for me.

Many people impacted me and taught me many lessons. I remember most of my teachers, classmates, and support staff during my elementary and secondary tenure. I am connected to many people through social media; however, I wish I could find and reconnect with more people. There was one person who positively impacted me more than anyone else. It was my middle school (or junior high school) counselor. My middle school years were rough. I was dealing with family issues, and I was heavily bullied. I spent so much time in my guidance counselor’s office. No matter what she had going on, she was kind, patient, and compassionate. She would listen to me. Even when I returned to my middle school as a volunteer, she was still there. Nothing was different when I returned. I think about her often, and I have tried to find her. I really want to have a conversation with her regarding the positive impact she had on me. She might have saved me. I needed her in ways I did not realize until thinking retrospectively. I hope she is still alive and I am allowed to meet up with her. Because of the way she treated me, I became a social worker because I wanted to work with at-risk children like me. I wanted to be their beacon of hope when they felt powerless and hopeless. I want to positively impact people the way she impacted me.

I was recently in conversation with my friend and coworker about the importance of giving back. One of the best ways of giving back is to exude kindness. Everyone is struggling with something, with most battles being silent. I try to work with children as much as possible. Being around children is a source of happiness for me. I do not think educators receive as much credit or compassion for the roles they play in children’s lives. I considered being a preschool teacher, but I decided against it. Social work needed me more. I worked with many families during some of the hardest times in their lives. I remember some of them. I ran into some after I was no longer their case manager. Some people still call me to this day to help them navigate issues with their cases. I usually redirect them since my role has changed. I try to be helpful as much as possible.

With the adversity and challenges I faced, I am proud of the woman I became. I am still compassionate and empathetic to people. I am sensitive to their needs. I often care too much, which is detrimental at times. I enjoy people seeing me in public and thanking me for the role I have played in their lives. It means a lot to me. The point of today’s post was to encourage you all to extend kindness and patience to people. We need more of it in the world.

Ms. D., I thank you so much for going above and beyond to work with me between 1995 and 1998. I am sure you met tens of thousands of children during your time as a school counselor. You saw me as a person instead of a problem. I still have the certificate you gave me in 7th grade. I hope you are enjoying your best life. You will never understand the extent of the impact you had on me. I am eternally grateful our paths crossed.

Thank you for your time. Enjoy your day. Stay blessed. ❤ Rayne Elise ❤