I know the power of one is supposed to be about others, but it turns out I've been making a difference to one person and they told me about it today.
My part-time gig has been privately tutoring (and mentoring) a student. We meet twice a week and I help him with homework, study for tests and the like. I also, in a non-intrusive way, ask him how things are going in his life and calm his nerves about school. (He's an 18-year-old first year student, has had a past drinking/drug problem and has a one-year-old daughter, so it's the whole, world is there for his taking if he just takes advantage of it, that we all had at that age, but with actual life responsibility on top of it.)
So, today as we are winding down I ask him about Thursday and his tests, grades, how it's all going and the spring semester. I tell him I am still planning to meet and work with him in the spring and summer and well, frankly for as long as he needs me. He tells me in that random nonchallant 18-year-old-guy-way, that he wants me to keep working with him this semester and yeah, he really wants me to keep helping him, because he really appreciates it and I've made such a difference with him this semester and with his classes and his grades and he doesn't know how he would do it without me and thank you so much for all my help....
I'm just sitting there listening to this really wonderful and remarkable young man tell me how much I matter to him and all I'm thinking is, 'don't cry, don't cry...'
So, yeah, wow.
It was one of those moments where everything came together, and someone told me I make a difference. That what I enjoy doing and I can hardly call or consider a job, matters.
Yeah.
So awesome.
It was my, warm-fuzzy-heart-all-a-glow-misty-eyed-floating-on-air-moment-on-a late- Tuesday-afternoon. Life is so wonderful in all it's randomness sometimes, you know?
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5 comments:
Congrats to you - that is pretty cool. I was never able to tutor people, I just dont have the patience.
One question though, he was not staring at your chest when he said all this was he? I mean, he is 18 - it has to cross his mind about every 4.7 seconds.
Congrats.
Way to go PG! There's something to be said for putting good things out there. I do literacy tutoring and find it very satisfying. Now, when you have time: head out to your local SPCA or Humane Society and help out for a bit there. There's something extra special about helping those who can't help themselves. You are amazing and inspiring. Thanks.
Ps. You know wavslidn is right:) Of course you do.
You know he's just trying to get a look at your boobs.
I had no idea. I'd appreciate your help in straightening out my Longfellow ...
Gawddamnit!
You know last night when Nick told me my girls were just screaming to be let out f my top I should have been clued into the, "yeah, I would really like your help in the spring and summer..." comment.
Gawddamnit.
There goes my warm fuzzy feeling.
Excuse me while I straighten out a Longfellow.
Oh, look! warm fuzzy feeling is back!!!
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