04-10-2019
12:30
"Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story." Josh Shipp
No matter what your role is with students, you can change their lives. Dede talks about Wally, a WWII veteran who brightens students’ days, everyday.
I really enjoy sharing thoughts on Education and stories of inspiration in my weekly post. This week is no exception.
I met a 94 year old veteran named Wally on the CBS Evening news on September 5. Wally was in the Navy in WW II, a fighter pilot in Korea, and is now a retired commercial airlines pilot. He has found a positive way to connect with middle school students in his hometown. Just because he is 80+ years older than they are, the friendship is real.
Wally waves at the parents in their cars, and greets the kids on their way to school. After a fist bump for each student, he teaches them real life lessons. Wally shares favorite quotes with the kids, like “Never look down on somebody – unless you are helping them up.” He says the first half of the quote, and they finish the statement. Another favorite is “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible,”
I was so touched by Wally and his inspirational mission, that I knew he would be the topic of my post this week. Wally is a person who has seen the world and understands the importance of a caring adult in a child’s life, and he recognizes that although every child needs that caring adult, not every child has one. Wise Wally starts the day with the middle school kids in a positive manner, and he gives them important ideas to think about and practice during the school day and in life. He is making them better people by sharing his knowledge and love.
Please take a look at this short, and inspiring clip of Wally and his world. I think with his engaging style, positive manner, and gift for forming relationships, he was born to be a teacher.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/94-year-old-veteran-wally-richardson-imparts-his-wisdom-to-students-heading-to-class/
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.
