The Impact of Role Models

Today I saw a very real example of the importance of role models to our students. Our Kapahaka has been working hard this year and for three weeks now we have had the support of some very talented secondary students. These boys or young men have given their time to come over for their lunch hour each Wednesday to work with our boys on their haka. I was at the practice today when I saw them enter the room and there was marked change in atmosphere. Our students afforded these young people real respect, yes some of it would be because they are cool big kids, but most of it was because they were spending some time with them, valuing them and sharing their skills. The level of performance and engagement rose. I spoke with the three young people afterwards and told them how impressed I was with their generosity and commitment and they were humble but also very pleased to have been asked. I was particularly proud to acknowledge one of these fine young men as he was a past pupil. The sense of pride you experience when you see these young people contributing in this way gives me strong hope for the future of all young people. We are all role models to those younger than ourselves, and we can make a huge difference by simply taking time to acknowledge the efforts of others.

It reminds me of a quote....
"I may forget what you said, but I'll never forget how you made me feel." unknown