I like what I do, and I feel that I'm pretty good at it. Sure, there's room for improvement, but I work hard to make certain that my student's benefit from having taken a course with me. There will always be those who hate me, and some who claim that having me as a teacher was a detriment to their lives. For a while this summer, it felt like there were more of them than ever before. These first days of school have changed that feeling.
This is why we as teachers need to remember the power of positive reinforcement. It certainly works on me. In truth, everyone needs to remember the power of kind words and friendly faces. Whether it's on the job, in the home, or out on the town, a positive word or two can make all of the difference between enjoying life or dreading it. May I make certain that I am providing that positive atmosphere to the people around me.