How one opportunity changed my perspective

January 14, 2020

The picture above is of me with one of my former teachers, Mr. Anderson. Mr. Anderson was the kind of teacher that was invested in his students. He cared about you and your success. When I saw him it was like little time had passed when in reality it had been (yikes) over 25 years.

Why I am I smiling in this picture and why did I choose to take a "selfie" with him? Let me tell you...

I met Mr. Anderson in grade 9. When I was in grade 9, I was a quiet insecure kid. I did not find school easy however I was willing to try to work at it. Similar to most kids my age I was scared to speak to my teachers and other students for that matter. I was just generally unsure of myself and trying to get by as unnoticed as possible...the problem? I was 6'1 and 225 pounds. It was hard to blend in. (Problematic).

I was in Mr. Anderson's grade 9 physical education class. I always tried to be the kind of student that did all that he could to meet the requirements of the teacher so that I could pass the class. The goal was to be proficient in the class. Full stop.

In my mind at that time the teacher was in charge and it was my responsibility as a student to deliver on the criteria that was required by the teacher. For me, a successful class involved very limited 1-1 interaction with the teacher (man did I have it backwards). You see, I was also dyslexic so my anxiety in school was constant around academic related tasks and this anxiety generalized throughout my school experience. My idea of a good day at that time was limited interaction with teachers, a good lunch, completing all of my assignments on time, and as much time as possible playing sports.

Back to Mr. Anderson...

Mr. Anderson saw potential in me that I did not yet see in myself. You see, Mr. A gave me opportunity to be a leader. Mr. Anderson believed in me enough to support with taking attendance, mentoring other younger students, opening the gymnasium etc...When he asked if I could help with these tasks he really believed in me, no micro management. At that time in my life I don't know if I believed in myself as much as he did. Over time I started to, thanks to Mr. A taking a chance on me and unequivocally believing in me. Why?

Before I took this picture I asked Mr. A the following question: why did you give me the opportunities that you did? I was not the best student. I was not the most vocal. I did not ask for the opportunity.

His answer: I saw so much potential in you. You were deserving of the opportunity and you did a great job.

So what is the lesson? There are many...One that sticks out for me right now is each of us are capable of more than we know! For me in grade 9, the list of things not possible included: mentoring other students, operationally opening up the gym, and preparing activities for the day. Once I was shown that I could do these things, I had to have the courage to believe that possibly Mr. Anderson was right. (Or he was clearly crazy).

I just needed the opportunity to show myself that I was able to do it. With repetition I began to better understand that so many of my limitations were self-imposed. Graduating from high school was a huge (lofty) goal of mine, as was achieving my undergraduate degree, then my masters degree, being a good husband, a good father etc...

Professionally, I am so fortunate to be able to work in the field of innovation, research and rehabilitation. Each day trying to understand how to improve outcomes for populations in need of better outcomes...it has to start with one important step...believing that we can do something to improve. It starts there.

Thanks to all of the Mr. Anderson's out there. Keep it up and spread the word.