be one of those people

Today I spent a little time tutoring high school students in the neighborhood of my former school (where I was a principal for fourteen years). I can’t get over how sensitive and impressionable kids this age can be. The young man I was working with was convinced that one of his teachers hates him. I asked what made him think this. He was unable to give concrete evidence, but he pointed out the teacher’s tone of voice, a “look,” and unwillingness to accept a late assignment (my words, not his). Maybe the teacher doesn’t like him. Maybe they do. Maybe they are indifferent. Or…perhaps, there is not enough information to make a determination. Our conversation did make me think about how often I make a judgements about people based on limited interactions. Rude. Apathetic. Mean. Angry. 🤬 Truth be told, it’s doubtful I have enough information to make that judgment. I don’t know the back story. But…it also highlights the importance of our words and actions. Not that we have to care about…