A large woman with salt and pepper hair, and twinkling brown eyes, Mrs. Jordan, my fifth grade teacher, had a voice that boomeranged off the walls of her tiny classroom.
On one sunny afternoon, she asked the class a question. I read her lips from my front-row seat and immediately raised my hand.
I couldnt believe it despite my fears, I felt uncharacteristically confident because -- for once -- I was sure I had the right answer.
But, when she called on me, I was suddenly afraid. Here was an opportunity to impress the powerful teacher and show her I was worthy of her love. Maybe even impress my classmates a little.
I didnt want to blow it. I took a deep breath and nervously answered her question.
Her explosive response startled all of us.
She enthusiastically slammed her right foot on the floor and whirled her finger a full circle until it pointed directly at me. With sparkling eyes and a wide smile she cried, THATS RIGHT STEPHEN!
For the first time in my young life, I felt like an instant star. My heart burst with pride as an ear-to-ear grin filled my face. I sat a little taller in my chair and puffed out my chest. My confidence soared.
It was amazing how a simple three-word phrase delivered with incredible enthusiasm had totally transformed my young life.
THATS RIGHT STEPHEN!
All it took was three words to get me to think that I would make a place for myself in this world no matter how many obstacles I had to overcome. From that day forward, my grades and speech improved dramatically. My peers suddenly looked at me with new respect and my outlook on life did a complete turnabout.
Let me ask you this: Have you taken a moment to REMEMBER who helped you in your life?
Profoundly deaf since birth, Stephen Hopson is a former award-winning stockbroker turned motivational speaker, author and pilot. He works with organizations that are ready to explore and overcome adversity because no one is immune from it - adversity does not discriminate. His professional speaking services, Obstacle Illusions, include fun and passionate presentations, especially the story of how his fifth grade teacher forever changed his young life with THAT'S RIGHT STEPHEN! You can view his website at http://www.sjhopson.com Stephen also maintains a blog called "Adversity University" at http://adversityuniversity.blogspot.com/
With Every Word
With every symbol I convey.
In certain order, they will say.
Might they build or may they break?
What meaning will that listener make?Words are more than sounds my friend.
Words confirm the thoughts you mend.
Words can love; words can hate.
Words can bring a deathly fate.A single sound or many yet;
ensnared within a memories net.
False or t...
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