A group of high school students were being inducted into the honor society, and a professor from a nearby university was asked to make a few remarks to the inductees. I was the proud parent in the audience, but I braced myself for the kind, but meaningful words of congratulations. I couldn’t be more wrong. It was probably one of the most profound speeches I have ever heard.
He told about his upbringing in the countryside of the state. Neither of his parents had graduated from high school, and they did not encourage him to do well in school. However, one of the high school teachers noticed him and gave him high marks on some of his assignments, which over time inspired him to improve his grades and value education.
And now, 20 years later, he was standing next to these high-ranking kids and giving them advice.
What can he share with them that will stick and change their lives?
These were the points he emphasized:
As much as the teacher influenced his life, he never followed him to thank him for what he had done. Actually, he didn’t know if he remembered the teacher’s name. In any case, he knew that the teacher had passed away a long time ago.
And yet, here he stood in front of these children, literally changed from what this man had done.
What should be done about this fact?
The message was that they should seek out those who had helped them and to express gratitude?
Yes, this is a good thing. Undoubtedly.
But this was not his main point. What he hoped these children would think about is that they too can influence those around them.
He challenged them to live their lives with this front and center in their minds.
Do this even though your influence may not be recognized. Another change was that they themselves are not aware of the reality and nature of their influence. Did his teacher ever know the consequences of his behavior? Most likely, not at all.
It’s just the way of the world.
But know this, he told these children. Know that you influence the people around you, whether you realize it or not.
So, go on with your life, trying to make the best impact on people, even knowing that you have very little influence and therefore very little thanks.
And with that he took his seat.
