"A Role Model for Young Adults and for All of Us"
The authors wish to remain anonymous
Edited by Shmuel Greenbaum
Printed with Permission of http://www.PartnersInKindness.org

Whilst I was a school governor*, I was waiting in the headmasters study one day, before the beginning of a school award presentation ceremony and noticed leadership posters on the wall.

During the ceremony, a 13 year old girl received an award for a long list of services to the community in setting up charities and collecting for worthy causes. I was in awe of such dedication and care for others for a person of that age.

I suggested to the headmaster that he might consider nominating this pupil for a Leading Wales Award**. Although no young persons have ever been nominated for this award, I thought this girl was worthy of nomination at least, as I couldn't think of a better example of leadership. The headmaster's face lit up at the prospect of being the first and only comprehensive school*** to have nominated a pupil.

Can you imagine the effect of promoting leadership amongst young people that this incentive will have. Wow! Magic!

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Notes:

* A school Governor is either a parent, local government official or a lay member of the community from business or other experience that benefits guidance on the administration of the school governance. I am a co-opted governor from the community. The governing bodies of all schools are made up of a set proportion of each of these three types of governors. We meet to decide the running of the schools affairs in conjunction with the headmaster and teacher representatives.

** Wales is a small Celtic country adjoining England. http://www.leadingwalesawards.com had this competition for the first time last year. Last year’s winner was a chief executive.

*** A comprehensive school is also sometimes called a secondary school; for pupils aged 11 - 16 years.

"Believing In People"
From: Kindness: Making a Difference in People's Lives: Formulas, stories, and insights
By: Zelig Pliskin
Printed with Permission of Shaar Press

The author heard these stories from students:

"No one ever believed in me. Because of this I was never able to believe in myself," an elderly man complained about how his life had never amounted to much.

I wasn’t a very successful student throughout my school years. But my mother kept telling me, "I believe in you. One day you will succeed." And I did. Way beyond anyone besides my mother ever thought I would. Her belief in me was a guiding light. I owe her everything.

I remember it like it was yesterday. I always wanted to be a writer. When I said this, most people laughed at me. ``You don’t have the talent to be a writer,’’ is what I heard.

But then one day I confided in an experienced writer. "I’m embarrassed to say this because of the way others have reacted. I want to be a successful writer. Deep down I feel that one day I will fulfill my dream."

"Could you please bring me some examples of your writing," she said.

I did. And this was the best thing that ever happened to me in my life. She pointed out some great sentences that I had written. "You still need a lot of practice and a lot of coaching. But I assure you that you’ll make it big if you keep up your determination. Once you learn the craft, you’ll excel."

And I did. Ever since I look out for every opportunity to encourage other writers. That is my biggest pleasure in life.

Believe in people and you will influence them to believe in themselves. Your belief needs to be based on reality. So develop an eye for noticing even sparks of ability that can be developed. Be enthusiastic in selling a person to himself.

Believe in youngsters and they will grow up with your belief as their internalized belief.

Believe in people who are starting out on a new venture and you will give them the courage they need to persevere. All beginnings are difficult, and your encouragement might just be what they need to withstand the inevitable storms and waves.

Believe in people’s ability to make positive changes. Believe in people’s ability to create a joyous life for themselves. And believe in your own ability to effectively change people by believing in them.

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