Since I was a kid I remember people saying that death comes in threes. Over the years I have seen that seem to come true. Oh course, there are many people who die everyday; which would skew the theory but within certain "universes" it seems to play out accurately.
The "Baseball Universe" has lost three notable members over the past couple of weeks. First there was former player, manager and coach Don Zimmer; then former All-Star pitcher Bob Welch, and now Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn.
Of the three, the death of Gwynn was the most shocking to me. Zimmer was older, Bob Welch was not on my radar these days, but Gwynn was active as the baseball coach at San Diego State and was frequently heard and seen on radio and television. He was only 54.
It is tempting to write about the hitting prowess of Gwynn, an 8-time National League batting champion. A .338 lifetime hitter, he ranks 18th on the all-time list. But what struck me most was the way people spoke of him as a man. Hall of Fame player yes...but it appears he was a Hall of Fame human being.
I have heard and read story after story talking about how he was as a teammate, how he responded to the media, his loyalty to the city of San Diego. I have heard about how he made people feel valued and comfortable around him. He was more than a baseball player!
When each of us meets our maker one day, wouldn't it be a shame if all anyone had to say about us was our resume or the stats on the back of a baseball card? It appears that Tony Gwynn was a champion at life.
One never really knows what motivates others actions. But I feel I have known people in my life that do the right thing for the wrong reason. They are concerned about their image or reputation. Their goal is not to actually be of benefit to someone else but to make others see what a great person they are. The person they are helping turns out to be a pawn in their self-promotion.
I want others to think well of me too. As a teacher, this is not going to be 100 percent. There have been times when I have earned the disdain of a student. Other times, well, it goes with the territory. Sometimes, however, you have to forfeit the affection of others in order to do what is best for them. That is when you know if it is being done for the right reason!
I witness my friends and colleagues daily working on behalf of students with selflessness and dedication. They are making an impact that will impact generations! There are no million dollar contracts and they rarely hear the applause of gratefulness.
When a celebrity dies we often feel we have lost someone we know; when in fact we really don't know them at all. There are those occasions when we brush shoulders with celebrity or greatness. Those moments are frozen in our minds. Those moments become our reality. That is why people seek autographs or selfies with famous people.
I never had contact with Don Zimmer, Bob Welch or Tony Gwynn outside of reading about, watching and listening to them in the media. I have to rely on the relationships and the memories of others. I have been touched by the stories being told that have nothing to do with the back of their baseball cards. I am more moved by the love and sense of loss conveyed in the tributes.
So, I am inspired by these three men I have never met. I am inspired today to try to make others feel important and valued. I am inspired to reflect on how others will remember me. Will they look at my resume or will they look at actual results of lives touched. My hope is that there will be more pluses than minuses at the end of the ledger.
MORE THOUGHTS
Tony Gwynn battled oral cancer. It was cancer that he is convinced was caused directly by his use of chewing tobacco and dip. Tobacco products are costly. It was cancer that cost Tony Gwynn his life.
Forget about the proven health risk for a second. Tobacco products are expensive to purchase. Plus, it will cost you money down the road when the need to purchase life insurance arises. One doesn't need to be a smoker to be rated lower; causing higher rates. Dip and other smokeless tobacco enters the blood stream and produces a positive test result. Otherwise healthy young men are spending hundreds/thousands of dollars extra over their lifetime because of this addictive habit...both in product and higher premiums. If you dip...stop. Besides, its disgusting!
FINAL THOUGHT
One of the rarest occurrence in baseball is the triple-play. While considered to be a great accomplishment, lots of bad things had to happen before something good could. The defensive team has opened the door to a big inning by putting at least two runners on base with no one out. The team is in trouble. Then magic happens. Three outs on one play. The cheers are as much out of a sense of relief as celebration.
Of course, there is no joy in the dugout of the team victimized by the triple-play. Opportunity gone!
There is sadness this past couple of weeks in baseball with the passing of three of it's own. For those of us who love baseball and admired them from afar, this certainly was the wrong kind of triple-play.
Thanks for reading.
Jeff
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Sunday, May 4, 2014
SLAMMING ON THE BREAKS
I hate that I use the word "hate" so much. I really don't truly hate that many things. It just is one of the words that I use to express my displeasure or disapproval of something or someone (certain TV/radio announcers). But the month of May comes pretty close to that level.
As a school teacher it is difficult to hold the attention of students in the age of iPhones, iPads, Twitter, Instagram and online games. Throw in spring weather and a couple of early dismissals due to storms and it is almost impossible to compete with the student's distractions.
And May is the worst! While teachers are trying to cram the last bits of information into the heads of students, we are also dealing with preparing exams, giving tests, yearbook distribution, inventory, spending our fee money, completing professional development reports.... The lists go on and on.
May is a month where teachers are required to dig in and finish strongly. Teachers are ask to go the extra mile and to stay on top of student's grades lest one should fail. It is a time when students see the calendar and know that summer vacation is only days away. The days till the end of school are literally crossed off the calendar.
At this time of year it feels that discipline, especially self discipline, is down and disrespect is up! By May teachers know who is reliable and trustworthy. We also know the kids with which we have failed to connect or reach.
Personally, May is that time of year where I feel the greatest sense of failure as a teacher. I look around the room and see students that, for whatever reason, I have failed to motivate. I get tired of hearing my own voice saying the same things over and over again. I feel badly for the students that get bogged down by other students that disturb and disrupt class. I reflect on how I can make it better...how can I fix it.
Teachers are not as different from students this time of year as the students would like to think. We, too, enjoy the beautiful weather and would like to be outdoors. We, too, were up late the night before and would love to sleep in or not come to school at all. We, too, don't always want to be there. We, too, are looking forward to summer vacation and no classes.
In May I am physically and mentally tired. I am tired of being a police officer, a parent to 2700 kids (not that I teach that many students) I am tired of teaching solid and sound industry standards only to have student ignoring what they have been taught. Tired of being the one who cares more about a students grade than they do! I am tired of SPEAKING INTO DEAD AIR!!!! Oh...and I hate giving grades. We are so concerned with GRADES that we often forget about LEARNING AND RETENTION.
But I am ready for the school year to end for another reason. I am ready to reboot, refocus, recharge and look ahead to the promise of next year. Each new year is a "mulligan", a chance to do it over...do it better; often with the same students building on what they DID learn.
A former administrator shared with me a conversation he had with a friend during the month of May. His friend said," Well, I guess you are starting to wind things down this time of year." The administrator smiled and said, "We don't wind down. We go full speed and slam on the brakes."
Hold on tight. It could be another bumpy ride!
Thanks for reading!
Jeff
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Humility Is A Humbling Thing
"I shall not seek and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president"- President Lyndon Johnson, March 31, 1968
I think it is safe to say that everyone wants to be wanted. It is natural, normal and often times necessary to have that desire confirmed by friends, family and colleagues. In the case of Lyndon Johnson in 1968 some would say that he was assuming a lot. He was assuming that the country and/or his party actually wanted him to run again. It seems on the surface to be a noble gesture. Johnson was not going to divert any time, effort or energy toward an election when "American sons" were at war. But most of us know what they say happens when you "ass-u-me"!
This is not a blog about Lyndon Johnson, the election of 1968 or the Vietnam War. It is about how ego and humbleness can rage a battle within each of us. In this case, me!
Monday morning: It is 3rd Period and my Advanced Broadcasting class, which is quite small, is missing one student due to illness and the rest are off videoing or interviewing. As I sit at my desk in my empty classroom in walks an assistant principal and a woman I do not recognize. "Your presence is requested in the community room in the media center," says the assistant principal.
Then it happened. My ego and my humbleness clashed! My mind flashed. I remember receiving an email informing me that the "surprise announcement" of the Bob Finley Award winners would take place at this very time. Bob Finley was the head football and girls basketball coach at Berry High School who unexpectedly died the summer before the opening of the new Hoover High School. To honor the quality of man he was the Hoover school district established an award to recognize students and employees at Hoover City School for outstanding character.
I knew Bob Finley, I worked with Bob Finley....I am no Bob Finley. But wait! Why is my presence being requested? My department typically videos this announcement but no one said, "Hey grab a camera" . And might my missing students be down there ready to capture my "surprised" reaction on video?
My first reaction is one of fear! Has someone been foolish enough to nominate me for this honor? I believe I clean up nicely, I feel I am well liked and have a good relationship with my co-workers. But, seriously? I felt like Lyndon Johnson must have felt. I did not seek and I would not accept....
As I am walking down the hallway to the media center I notice that I am walking alone. Typically the winner is escorted into the room full of friends and family awaiting the big arrival. My mind is racing. I know who I am. I know I am not worthy of this award. I am thinking , "How will everyone react when I refused to accept it?"
This is not false modesty. Every winner since the beginning has talked about how shocked they have been to receive this award. Although it would be a tremendous honor and I would love to think that someone thought highly enough of me to make that nomination, I just didn't want it.
As in the cartoons, I could see the two different entities sitting on each of my shoulders. One representing my ego on one. My humility on the other.
"I have lived too long and experienced too many years that have fallen short of being the man I want/need to be. I could never accept it." That was my humble side talking.
However, Mr. Ego is telling me. "Brother, you are getting selected for the biggest recognition that Hoover City Schools bestows on someone. Believe it! It has to be you. You the man.", he says.
As I draw closer to the media center I have this feeling of dread. It was all so surreal.
"This can't be," says Mr. Humble. "You ain't that good."
"Shut up, Humble Pie, leave him alone. You deserve, this. You're a GREAT guy," says Mr. Ego!
To get to the community room you have to walk through the media center lobby. Just beyond the shelving I see the window into the room.
"Oh crap, this could be real," I think when I see one of my students sitting in the front row waiting for "someone" to enter.
Then as I enter the room the chairman of the Finley Committee walks straight up to me and sticks out his hand. I feel like I am going to throw up or pass out!
"I am sorry you won't be with us this year," he says knowing I will be in Florida with students the night of the banquet.
I stammer something in response and then had two different feelings rush over me: relief and embarrassment! I am not the one being honored. I am not being selected for having great character! My presence was requested to watch one of my former students receive the honor. Whew! I was never so glad in my life to NOT win something!
At the same time, I felt foolish to allow my ego to play me like it did.
Being nominated or selected for a Finley Award is not something I strive for. I am very competitive and I love to win. If I play or compete I want to be to victorious. But, one shouldn't win this kind of award if you seek it. It is counter intuitive.
As with Lyndon Johnson I was assuming something. Fortunately in my case it turned out to be a false assumption. So in conclusion, I guess the only thing that exceeds my humility is my modesty!
Thanks for reading!
Jeff
I think it is safe to say that everyone wants to be wanted. It is natural, normal and often times necessary to have that desire confirmed by friends, family and colleagues. In the case of Lyndon Johnson in 1968 some would say that he was assuming a lot. He was assuming that the country and/or his party actually wanted him to run again. It seems on the surface to be a noble gesture. Johnson was not going to divert any time, effort or energy toward an election when "American sons" were at war. But most of us know what they say happens when you "ass-u-me"!
This is not a blog about Lyndon Johnson, the election of 1968 or the Vietnam War. It is about how ego and humbleness can rage a battle within each of us. In this case, me!
Monday morning: It is 3rd Period and my Advanced Broadcasting class, which is quite small, is missing one student due to illness and the rest are off videoing or interviewing. As I sit at my desk in my empty classroom in walks an assistant principal and a woman I do not recognize. "Your presence is requested in the community room in the media center," says the assistant principal.
Then it happened. My ego and my humbleness clashed! My mind flashed. I remember receiving an email informing me that the "surprise announcement" of the Bob Finley Award winners would take place at this very time. Bob Finley was the head football and girls basketball coach at Berry High School who unexpectedly died the summer before the opening of the new Hoover High School. To honor the quality of man he was the Hoover school district established an award to recognize students and employees at Hoover City School for outstanding character.
I knew Bob Finley, I worked with Bob Finley....I am no Bob Finley. But wait! Why is my presence being requested? My department typically videos this announcement but no one said, "Hey grab a camera" . And might my missing students be down there ready to capture my "surprised" reaction on video?
My first reaction is one of fear! Has someone been foolish enough to nominate me for this honor? I believe I clean up nicely, I feel I am well liked and have a good relationship with my co-workers. But, seriously? I felt like Lyndon Johnson must have felt. I did not seek and I would not accept....
As I am walking down the hallway to the media center I notice that I am walking alone. Typically the winner is escorted into the room full of friends and family awaiting the big arrival. My mind is racing. I know who I am. I know I am not worthy of this award. I am thinking , "How will everyone react when I refused to accept it?"
This is not false modesty. Every winner since the beginning has talked about how shocked they have been to receive this award. Although it would be a tremendous honor and I would love to think that someone thought highly enough of me to make that nomination, I just didn't want it.
As in the cartoons, I could see the two different entities sitting on each of my shoulders. One representing my ego on one. My humility on the other.
"I have lived too long and experienced too many years that have fallen short of being the man I want/need to be. I could never accept it." That was my humble side talking.
However, Mr. Ego is telling me. "Brother, you are getting selected for the biggest recognition that Hoover City Schools bestows on someone. Believe it! It has to be you. You the man.", he says.
As I draw closer to the media center I have this feeling of dread. It was all so surreal.
"This can't be," says Mr. Humble. "You ain't that good."
"Shut up, Humble Pie, leave him alone. You deserve, this. You're a GREAT guy," says Mr. Ego!
To get to the community room you have to walk through the media center lobby. Just beyond the shelving I see the window into the room.
"Oh crap, this could be real," I think when I see one of my students sitting in the front row waiting for "someone" to enter.
Then as I enter the room the chairman of the Finley Committee walks straight up to me and sticks out his hand. I feel like I am going to throw up or pass out!
"I am sorry you won't be with us this year," he says knowing I will be in Florida with students the night of the banquet.
I stammer something in response and then had two different feelings rush over me: relief and embarrassment! I am not the one being honored. I am not being selected for having great character! My presence was requested to watch one of my former students receive the honor. Whew! I was never so glad in my life to NOT win something!
At the same time, I felt foolish to allow my ego to play me like it did.
Being nominated or selected for a Finley Award is not something I strive for. I am very competitive and I love to win. If I play or compete I want to be to victorious. But, one shouldn't win this kind of award if you seek it. It is counter intuitive.
As with Lyndon Johnson I was assuming something. Fortunately in my case it turned out to be a false assumption. So in conclusion, I guess the only thing that exceeds my humility is my modesty!
Thanks for reading!
Jeff
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
THERE ARE NO HEROES HERE
As I sit stranded in my classroom with a dozen students who are not mine my back hurts from trying to sleep on a cold floor. My eyes burn from no sleep. I am tired and cranky. My patience is lacking and I want to just go home. So does everyone else here; students, teachers, staff and administrators! Welcome to Snowpocalypse 2014.
As the snow snuck up on Central Alabama thousands of people are stranded either at work, school or along the highways. I have heard of many acts of kindness by strangers for strangers. Disaster often brings out the best in us. That is evident all across this city and state. It also can show some people's true colors.
Those of us stranded at HHS have not really suffered; we have only been inconvenienced. We have been very well fed; hot meals morning, noon and night. We have been sheltered and safe. Homemade cookies were delivered room to room. We have had power, Internet and contact with the outside world. It has not been perfect but it has been...shall I say..."pleasant"? That might be too flowery a word but it sure could have been worse. It was most enjoyable seeing my friends and colleagues at breakfast this morning with big sleepy smiles on their faces. We survived the night! We did it together!
As I said, no one wants to be here. Some have been able to leave while others wait for buses to run or parents to come rescue them. But many members of the faculty and staff are here despite the fact they could leave. They are here because they take what we do seriously. There is no one patting themselves on the back. There are no hereos here. At least not in their minds. It is what we do!
The lunchroom workers, the front desk, the SROs, et. al. were awesome! The faculties and staffs, not just at Hoover City Schools, but around this state are providing supervision and comfort to many stranded students. High school students don't want such supervision and some think they don't need it. Regardless, parents can be assured that their child is being well cared for. What a relief for a parent to know that the hands they trust to care for their child during the day is just as trustworthy overnight.
I have heard stories of a slumber party type atmospheres and bonding. Lets get this straight. This was not summer camp! It didn't quite get that warm and fuzzy for me. It was twelve very loud, often obnoxious teenage boys having to be held in check. It was the equivalent of trying to eat jello with your fingerss. My motives and my thoughts were far from heroic.
While it was not something I would look forward to again, it is something of which I am glad I was a part. It didn't start out that way though. I tried to leave but had to turn around and come back. Unlike many teachers and staff who had to get their own kids from other schools, I really had no one needing me. I would have felt guilty sitting at home knowing that my colleagues were shouldering such an undertaking.
(updated)
I have made it home. I am still tired and sore. When I left, many of the students were still waiting for a bus or a ride home. 20 selfless individuals volunteered to stay until the last child had gone. Two of those staying are women I consider sisters in Christ.. Their attitudes make me proud. . I am humbled by their grace and giving hearts. It is an example of doing the right thing for the right reason. They do not consider themselves heroes because they are too humble and caring for that. But as I stood their watching them giving graciously and unselfishly I have to admit they looked like heroes to me!
FINAL THOUGHT
While we are at it, lets lay off the TV weathermen. They don't cause the weather...hey predict it. It is not prophesy. Arguably, the call to dismiss work and schools could have come earlier but this was a total surprise to everyone. One of my former students summed it up best when she tweeted last night to remind others how many lives have been saved in recent years due to the information provide to warn of weather events. I get it. They missed it. But, the weatherman is no more responsible for the weather than the groundhog is responsible for 6 more weeks of winter.
Stay warm. Stay safe. As always, thanks for reading!
Jeff
As the snow snuck up on Central Alabama thousands of people are stranded either at work, school or along the highways. I have heard of many acts of kindness by strangers for strangers. Disaster often brings out the best in us. That is evident all across this city and state. It also can show some people's true colors.
Those of us stranded at HHS have not really suffered; we have only been inconvenienced. We have been very well fed; hot meals morning, noon and night. We have been sheltered and safe. Homemade cookies were delivered room to room. We have had power, Internet and contact with the outside world. It has not been perfect but it has been...shall I say..."pleasant"? That might be too flowery a word but it sure could have been worse. It was most enjoyable seeing my friends and colleagues at breakfast this morning with big sleepy smiles on their faces. We survived the night! We did it together!
As I said, no one wants to be here. Some have been able to leave while others wait for buses to run or parents to come rescue them. But many members of the faculty and staff are here despite the fact they could leave. They are here because they take what we do seriously. There is no one patting themselves on the back. There are no hereos here. At least not in their minds. It is what we do!
The lunchroom workers, the front desk, the SROs, et. al. were awesome! The faculties and staffs, not just at Hoover City Schools, but around this state are providing supervision and comfort to many stranded students. High school students don't want such supervision and some think they don't need it. Regardless, parents can be assured that their child is being well cared for. What a relief for a parent to know that the hands they trust to care for their child during the day is just as trustworthy overnight.
I have heard stories of a slumber party type atmospheres and bonding. Lets get this straight. This was not summer camp! It didn't quite get that warm and fuzzy for me. It was twelve very loud, often obnoxious teenage boys having to be held in check. It was the equivalent of trying to eat jello with your fingerss. My motives and my thoughts were far from heroic.
While it was not something I would look forward to again, it is something of which I am glad I was a part. It didn't start out that way though. I tried to leave but had to turn around and come back. Unlike many teachers and staff who had to get their own kids from other schools, I really had no one needing me. I would have felt guilty sitting at home knowing that my colleagues were shouldering such an undertaking.
(updated)
I have made it home. I am still tired and sore. When I left, many of the students were still waiting for a bus or a ride home. 20 selfless individuals volunteered to stay until the last child had gone. Two of those staying are women I consider sisters in Christ.. Their attitudes make me proud. . I am humbled by their grace and giving hearts. It is an example of doing the right thing for the right reason. They do not consider themselves heroes because they are too humble and caring for that. But as I stood their watching them giving graciously and unselfishly I have to admit they looked like heroes to me!
FINAL THOUGHT
While we are at it, lets lay off the TV weathermen. They don't cause the weather...hey predict it. It is not prophesy. Arguably, the call to dismiss work and schools could have come earlier but this was a total surprise to everyone. One of my former students summed it up best when she tweeted last night to remind others how many lives have been saved in recent years due to the information provide to warn of weather events. I get it. They missed it. But, the weatherman is no more responsible for the weather than the groundhog is responsible for 6 more weeks of winter.
Stay warm. Stay safe. As always, thanks for reading!
Jeff
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