Every so often, a former student will quote back to me something I said – that I don’t remember. Honestly, I usually don’t remember the specific moment they’re remembering…something they’ve held onto and that has animated them. (For better or worse!) And by the same token, I know I remember moments with my mentors and teachers that they wouldn’t necessarily remember.
That’s part of teaching, we deliver ideas, strategies, concepts repeatedly, in the hopes that one time it’ll stick. We’re so busy repeating things in different ways that we don’t necessarily form deep and last memories about specific ones. But on whatever day, a student might be just ready to hear what you see and – bam! – it sticks.
When I think about these moments, it motivates me in two directions.
First, it motivates me to keep delivering these core messages, as many times as it takes to form memories in my students.
Second, it motivates me to treat each teaching day like it might be the one someone remembers forever. I work harder and better because I know it might be the one I forget but someone else never does.
What can I do to make tomorrow a memorable day for someone?
(The truth is, just keep delivering what you’re already delivering…the best you can.)