When I was three years old, my parents discovered I was totally deaf. Instead of sending me to a private school for the deaf, they decided to "mainstream" me.
Since I started going there in 3rd grade, I was the only deaf child at Blue Creek Elementary School. From almost the first day there, the other kids taunted me and called me names mainly because of my hearing aid and the way I talked.
I experienced great anxiety throughout elementary school because, in addition to the problems of "fitting in" with the other students, I also struggled mightily with most of my schoolwork. I seemed to spend every spare moment doing homework just so I could keep up.
On the surface, I was gregarious, outgoing and happy-go-lucky, but in reality, my self-esteem was quite low.
Mrs. Jordan, my 5th grade teacher, changed all of that with a simple three-word phrase.
One morning, she asked the class a question. I read her lips from my front-row seat and immediately raised my hand. I couldn't believe it —for once I knew the answer. But, when she called on me, I was afraid. I didn't want to blow it.
Despite my fears, I felt very confident because —for once —I was sure I had the right answer. I took a deep breath and nervously answered Mrs. Jordan's question.
I will never forget what happened next.
Her response was explosive. It startled all of us.
Mrs. Jordan enthusiastically slammed her right foot on the floor and whirled her right finger in a circle until it pointed directly at me.
With sparkling eyes and a wide smile she cried, "THAT'S RIGHT STEPHEN!"
For the first time in my young life, I was an instant star.
My heart burst with pride as an ear-to-ear grin filled my face. My confidence soared like never before. I decided right then and there that I would make a place for myself in this world.
A simple three-word phrase delivered with incredible enthusiasm had totally transformed my young life.
And it all started with Mrs. Jordan. "THAT'S RIGHT STEPHEN!"
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