I can say that I too am guilty of judging others based upon the way that they look or by the way that they carry themselves. This is a wrong approach. I have had to turn the tables. I don't want people to judge me. I am highly capable and intelligent. There are times that I have not so good days or days when problems are plaguing me. I don't want others to judge me because of the way that I may present myself or they way that I may come across to them. As I tell people, "you just have to get to know me". I am really nice and I will do anything for you.
Now for my students, I have not been in education long enough to see any success stories beyond college. I am sure that there will be many. I look forward to them. There are many that I judged regarding their future success. I have had to realize that everyone is capable of succeeding, especially with guidance, understanding, and encouragement.
Hi, Penelope - very well said . . . I especially like the part about having bad days, and what a questionable first impression those days make on people we meet for the first time. Thanks for reminding us to be open-minded and non-judgemental about others . . . not always easy.
ReplyDeletePenelope,
ReplyDeleteI like the idea you had about turning the mirror around and looking at yourself. I try not to judge other people also. Sometimes, how we think someone should look, talk, or dress influences what we think abou them before we ever get to know them. I don't have a story about a student, but I do about a good friend of mine. His name is Slade. Slade looks like he just stepped out of a biker movie. He is bald, has a goat tee, is muscular, and has tattoos down both arms. The first impression of Slade is that he is an insensitive rough jerk. But it is quite the opposite. There is not a more caring person you would ever meet than Slade. He gives money to charities, helps out churches, and I believe if I needed his help right now, he would jump in his car and come help me. So, we have Slades in our classes everyday and it is our responsibility as educators to look past the exterior and to find the diamond on the rough.