Leaving the Door Open for Impact: a Flip the Script Episode

One Percent Better

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Today I give the microphone to my former 8th grade student turned lifelong friend and mentee, April . I hope this conversation shows the profound impact a teacher can have on a student's life through genuine human connection, being present, and leaving the door open.

It also demonstrates how vital ONE student can be in sustaining a educator's career.

Key Moments: • April shares the story of how Joe's presence and open door policy as her 8th grade teacher changed the trajectory of her life when she was feeling lost and disconnected • We discuss the importance of treating students as human beings, not just kids of a certain age, in order to truly connect with them • We explore how passion and love for an activity, like making art as a child, can fade as people get older and more self-conscious, and what educators can do to keep that spark alive • April opens up about overcoming depression by choosing to look for beauty in life each day, even amidst challenges and setbacks • I share an impactful classroom exercise about intentionally looking for something beautiful or ugly, and finding whatever you look for • We explore the paradox many teachers face - wanting to profoundly impact every student, while accepting that not every student will overtly demonstrate that impact • April offers the insight that teachers can open the door for connection and impact, without pressuring the student to walk through it

Powerful Quotes: "When you're present with people, it doesn't matter how old they are or really what their backgrounds are. If you are one human being to another human being, and you are open to that, and you're open to life, it is incredible what is going to come into your life." - April

"Leaving the door open - that's what you did with me. You didn't try so hard. You just said the door is open for you. And I was the one who took the initiative to come back and talk to you." - April

"If I can give myself the self-talk and the mindset to leave the door open...I'm going to leave the door open with no pressure for you to walk in through it." - Joe Ferraro

This heartfelt conversation is for anyone who wants to have a positive impact on others. It's a reminder of the power of human connection and the ripple effects that can occur when we choose to be present and leave the door open.

As always, thanks for listening to Episode 296!

--Joe

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