Pass It On

I warn students about the upcoming deadline for the senior capstone. Capstone is a culminating paper along with a public virtue--meaning, students must do some good in the world. When they finish the paper and project, students will meet with a panel of board members, teachers, and administrators.

"Can we have Señora Russell on our panel?" a student asks.

I make a mental run down of Señora Russell, a retired teacher who now lives an hour and a half away.

Another student seconds the first student's request. "She's one of my favorite teachers."

They know she's retired, but they still want to report to her specifically. I promise to do my best, to request Señora's presence on the panel.

The next class, I ask students if they could choose a teacher for the panel, who would it be? Again, Señora Russell.

At this point, I'm very excited, because I have been gifted with good and complimentary news that will brighten Señora's day.

What could be better than that?

A simple email to Señora Russell returned the gift to me: her gratitude.

Don't hold back, don't hide your compliments, your love. Any good word, pass it on. You never know how desperately the kindness may be needed.