Add Value

Dr. Marcia

Like everyone else, Covid-19 caused many changes and through the changes, we have had to weather some kind of storm. During this time, we taught virtually, we had meetings virtually, we had church virtually, we had birthdays virtually, we had funerals virtually and on and on. Many of them we didn’t even think we could have done, but we did. I never dreamed that we could actually teach from home especially elementary school-aged students, but we did and even doing a great job too.

For me, I have been navigating teaching virtually and each day seems to bring many challenges yet somehow, I have been weathering the storms. One of the storms that I go through is, how do I use this challenging time is trying to encourage my students, so they don’t get down and despondent. This has definitely not been easy and I greet each day with hope and openness as I begin each day. I encourage my students with positive affirmations, so they feel valuable and special.  This takes some time during the day, yet I feel like once they feel special and I add value to their lives, then learning can take place. Believe it or not, it has also been teaching me to be more patient which is also adding value to my life.

What does it mean to add value? Value as defined by the dictionary, is when we regard something as important, worth, or usefulness. It can even go further as based on the standards of someone’s behavior or judgment.

So, if I value someone, it means I respect his/her principles based on my standards. So, to add value to other people’s lives including students, I must live my life with integrity so I can be a role model for them. It also means being sincere and authentic.

Just by giving someone a call or sending a message to someone can help the person to feel special and feel valid and valuable simply by saying hello.  Even if I am thinking of someone, it was not by mere coincidence, I shouldn’t miss opportunities to make an impact on that person. Add value to the person by the choice I make, even if it means making a sacrifice to visit or spend time doing something for that person/that student. It makes a difference in the long run.

I feel like I make my points better when I use examples from my life. I recently visited a friend whom I have known for a long time. I have been putting off visiting this friend because of time constraints and just because of life getting in the way. I finally decided to visit and put off other things that I could have been doing. On my arrival I realized that my friend was so happy to see me and that I was spending time with her, that she cooked a delicious meal, she had gifts for me and on top of all of that she had a beautiful cake for me. She said that she wanted to “celebrate me for me”!  Talk about a surprise!  I was so excited; I could not even think.  When I finally figured it out, I was saying how grateful, I am to have someone who value me and think of me as a special friend to “celebrate me”.  I wanted to talk about this and let everyone know that this is how we should add value to someone’s life by simply saying how special the person is.  It does not necessarily have to be where you buy a gift, or even be as lavish, but simply a phone call or a text message or a card.

By adding value to my life, my friend saw the best in me because she felt like I needed to know that I was special, and she didn’t even know what I was going through. She felt as if I needed to hear that I was special.  The interesting thing is that there were no strings attached, it was just being kind to a friend.

In my virtual classroom, I can add value to my students because some of them might be longing for love and kindness. This to me is a way to help them to step into their greatness and produce more of their potential. By being passionate and always giving love, they will be willing to learn. I also believe that when I give a listening ear, I am adding value to their lives.

Another thing that is being reinforced during this pandemic is that I should take the labels off people especially my students and help to emancipate their minds from mental slavery. Love them without limits and be kind in many ways. I can also be willing to help those in need and give of myself by using my talents

Cake my friend gave me

When all is said and done, I can be humble and encourage those I meet even though there can be dull moments at times, let positivity reign. I can be patient and make sure I take other’s feelings into consideration. I can speak to my students using gentle words and give advice.  Affirm them every step of the way and add more value to their lives. We must press towards our goals. Even though the times seem dark and dreary, I can, and must be the change agent and don’t render evil for evil. I can add value to someone’s life. I can find it in my heart to love even when I don’t feel loved!  I think you can too, especially since we are ALL valuable in His sight!