A few years ago, I had two students who couldn’t have been more different. One was working incredibly hard just to scrape by with Cs. For him, every step was a struggle, but he never gave up. The other student, his friend, breezed through everything. A’s got handed out left and right because he met assignment requirements without breaking a sweat.
One day, the C student asked me if he was a good student. I told him, absolutely. Being a good student isn’t about the grade; it’s about being stubborn enough to stick with the topic until you figure it out. Grades are just markers on the journey, but his persistence—his willingness to try again and again—that made him a good student.
Fishing for a compliment, the A student overheard this conversation and asked me the same question. I looked him in the eye and told him no; getting an A because everything comes easy doesn’t make you a good student. It’s when you push yourself to be better, to go beyond what’s easy, that you really grow.
At the time, it felt like just another conversation, but years later, that A student found me and said it changed his life. He’d been on the verge of dropping out—feeling like school had no purpose because it was all so easy—and had seriously been considering suicide. But that moment gave him a reason to challenge himself.
The lesson for me? The power of persistence, and the importance of pushing beyond comfort zones. It’s stayed with me ever since.
Now it’s your turn. This week’s GratiTuesday challenge is simple but meaningful:
Think back to a lesson you’ve learned—recently or long ago—that has stayed with you. Take a moment to appreciate how it has impacted your life.
Then reply to this email and share the lesson you’re grateful to have learned. Who knows? Your story might inspire someone else to see their own experiences in a new light.
PS!
Oh, ALSO, before I forget, it’s my brother’s birthday! Feel free to spam him happy birthday messages at josephbargdill@yahoo.com or visit his Facebook page and wish him well there!
Lisa! What business did you start?
Awesome. We all make an impact in the lives of others. Usually we don’t know about it. That’s great that the student shared with you later!
I started my own business and I’m not sure of my decision. But I feel like I will keep going, keep trying, and not give up.