When I started writing this blog, I had no idea where it would lead. I have found that these little weekly experiments have prompted a change in my thoughts and my actions. Sometimes it is the really small changes that turn out to have a big impact.
Like most people we get bombarded at work with a daily barrage of emails and that is after the system weeds out the junk mail and spam. My usual method is to read only those emails that pertain directly to me and delete everything else. This year however, I made it a point to answer all of the emails that asked for nominations for some honorable teaching award or some well paid fellowship. The old me would not have wasted time on anything that did not directly benefit me in some shape or form. This year because of the pay it forward thing, I decided to answer a few of these emails and nominate some colleagues for some well deserving awards.
There was this fellowship sponsored by the North Carolina Museum of Art. They were looking for math and science teachers that could help write and promote inspiring lesson plans incorporating art and technology into the core subjects. The email was sent to everyone that had worked with the museum looking for possible candidates. Now normally I would have sent this email to the little trash can but this year I am always on the lookout for a good pay it forward project so I figured what the heck, I'll forward this email to one of the most talented teachers I know who just happens to be licensed in math and science.
John Scarfpin is not your average teacher. He isn't your average guy for that matter. I remember the last big hurricane we had here in North Carolina. John was one of the first people I saw out and about. He wasn't assessing his own damage like everyone else, no John went checking on his friends and colleagues to see if he could help in anyway with clean up, by running to the store for supplies, etc. I worked with John at the time but I work with a lot of people. I never expected to see any of them at my door just to see if I was Ok or if I needed their help in anyway.
As a teacher John is phenomenal, always looking for new and unusual ways to inspire his students. He would never shy awake from any sort of work especially if it meant that he might have the opportunity to reach just one more kid. I admire him and aspire to be more like him. So when I read about this fellowship, John was the first person that came to mind. I forwarded the email with the necessary information on the fellowship to him not thinking that anything would become of it. Then a couple of weeks ago in true Scarfpin fashion I got a thank you note from John letting me know that out of all of the hundreds of applicants across the state, he had won. He was grateful for the information and wanted to thank me for remembering him. It was a wonderful opportunity and I am so happy for my friend. I can't wait to see what awesome, inspiring lessons he creates.
All I could think about was how many times I missed out on such an easy pay it forward opportunity. I am now more dedicated than ever to promoting the great teachers that I have the privilege of working with and to think, it was all because of a simple pay it forward quest that I almost didn't do. Lesson learned. Even small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness can have a big impact. :)
Laurie
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