#sol18: Great

#SOL18: March 18th

Great

     I took this picture on March 1st to remember to slice about our conversation.  Today, 18 days later, I finally remembered.  So, I am going to give a word of caution that my quotation marks might be more paraphrase marks by this point.  I'm not sure my memory works that well.  

     Me, to former student A:  "How are you doing?"

     A:  "Great.  I'm doing great!" he said in an upbeat, confident tone.

     Me:  "Really?  Why great?  That's a strong response."

     A:  "I don't know.  There's nothing bad going on, so I'm great."

     His response just surprised me.  I ask so many people how they are, and most people don't sound as great.  Perhaps they are equally as well, but he just seemed upbeat and happy.

     It was such a quick conversation that reminded me again of A's positive nature.  They say surround yourself with positive people, and he sure is one of those people.  I was reminded of a time when he thanked me for teaching a lesson in his class, and his sincerity just stood out.  This day in class, his "expel air from the lungs in a sharp manner" blessing after a sneeze reminded me of his humor.  Yesterday, a video on Twitter of his class playing a vocabulary quiz with his optional dancing reminded me of his joy.  Today, I see that being around him is what that saying is all about.  Surround yourself with positive people, and you see the good in the world.

     I hope to be a positive person for others, too.  Thanks, A,  for being a model of having a joyful mindset, a caring heart, and a positive outlook on life.  You seem to have perspective at a young age.

     Thanks, A.