I have only a few minutes to write, but my day at the Saturday Reunion (TCRWP) was so inspiring. It is so powerful to be lifted up by leaders who not only talk a good game, but who are also living it. Lucy’s talk centered on the impact of her dear colleague and friend, Kathleen Tolan. I didn’t know Kathleen personally, but I have been taught by her and changed by her teaching. Today Lucy closed with these words (or as close as my notetaking skills will allow): ” It is an enormous act of LOVE to see POTENTIAL.”
How much we can bless children by seeing potential in them and then having the courage to do something, anything, that might make that potential grow to a reality. She talked a lot about having courage to hope, to see promise, to work very hard, and leave a mark in this world. In my heart of hearts, that is exactly why I became a teacher. I don’t know exactly where or when I might have left a mark, but I hope that somewhere there is a person who has believed a little more in themselves because of their interaction with me.
Others have done that for me. Many of you in this community of writers have left your mark on my life. Thank you.
pelicansandprose 
It’s very powerful to think about the ways you have encouraged students’ potentials over the years. We don’t always get to see it, but we know we’re doing it.
Aw, I love that. It is, indeed, a loving thing to see potential in a student. That’s why we’re teaching, for sure! Amazing that you get to be a part of TCRWP!
I needed to read this. I mean, I think I was meant to stumble across your blog and read your words that were inspired by these words: It is an enormous act of LOVE to see POTENTIAL. Thank you so much!
The phrase, “It is an enormous act of LOVE to see POTENTIAL”, really struck a chord with me. How often we can’t look past the present behaviors. What a great reminder why I went into teaching, too. Thanks for the slice.
I’ve been following this event on Twitter today and love hearing your take on the day. What a powerful day for you. Thanks for sharing these words with all of us.
I have been to the reunion once, and it was so inspirational! Thank you for sharing your experience. I will take those words with me this week – It is an enormous ace of LOVE to see POTENTIAL.
ritadicarne.com
Thanks for sharing this beautiful inspiration. You captured the feeling that always emerges from great professional learning. I couldn’t get there this year, so I appreciate hearing from others. I loved the lines, “She talked a lot about having courage to hope, to see promise, to work very hard, and leave a mark in this world. In my heart of hearts, that is exactly why I became a teacher.” Beautiful
I wish I’d been there.. I hope to make it there someday, but thank you for bringing that to everyone who’s read your post.
I need that line..
Thank you.
Potential- it really has so much power!I loved hearing your reflections and am glad to learn a bit more from you.
there are many who believe in themselves a little bit more
due to you
so glad you went
and really glad you shared
Took your POTENTIAL to the scrabble word finder site
to see what poem I could quickly squeeze out
Potent
Latent
Open
Elation
Those 4 words are powerful together! Thank you for your kindness.
This is like church- an important reminder of how we want to be. Thanks, Marilyn.
It was so good!