See difficulties as opportunities

It would be great if life was always smooth-sailing, but the truth is that life can present situations that are challenging. It's the challenges in life that can give you opportunities, opportunities to stretch and learn and grow. Luis was one of those challenges for Cathy. Cathy had been teaching a long time, and she thought she had seen it all until the day that Luis came into her classroom. Luis smiled one minute and would lash out in anger another minute. He didn't care who he hurt when he was angry. Sometimes, he slammed his fist into a wall, and sometimes, he said or did hurtful things to her or other students. Cathy never knew what to expect. She checked into his background and learned that his home had been violent. She decided she was going to help Luis. Cathy set aside special time each day that was her one-to-one time with Luis. During that time she encouraged him to talk. She started with easy topics like his favorite TV programs. It was a time in which she did no teaching, just listened to Luis, getting to know him. She did this each day, at the same time, for 5-10 minutes. Cathy noticed that gradually Luis started behaving better as the bond between the two of them grew. Cathy had turned a difficulty into an opportunity.

Have a great day. You are a difference maker.