Something fantastic happened to me today.
A kid walked up to me and said:
“Where were you yesterday? I missed you!”
I was caught off guard by the question. It was so unexpected, so out of context, that I think it ranks as one of the best moments I’ve ever experienced as a school leader. Someone missed me.
Kids miss their friends.
They sometimes miss their teachers.
But they never miss their school leaders!
I’ve always liked to welcome students and staff into school each morning. It’s just a little thing to make sure that as many students as possible get at least one warm welcome each day. A little thing, I insist, that can go a long way in making that person feel seen.
Sure, I can’t greet everyone, but for three years now (at this school), I have tried my best to get a smile or reaction from everyone walking through the front gate.
It’s always a mixed bag of responses.
I receive lots of quiet smiles and nods. Some respond to a “good morning”, others not (yet!). There seem to be a lot of headphones these days, so I have to move about a bit to catch their eye. A few don’t want to play this game and avoid me altogether (and I don’t make a fuss). I’m one of those folk who enjoy a high-five now and again, but these seem increasingly rare these days, so I’m happy to settle for the more fashionable fist bump.
So why was I taken aback when this kid said they missed me?
Quite simply, I was away yesterday. And someone noticed. And it made me feel like I mattered.
Nelson Mandela used to talk about the concept of Ubuntu. Loosely, it means: I am because you are
It’s a beautiful concept about humanity and our need for connection. I love it.
Each morning, I stand in the heat to connect and notice others – yet it never occurred to me that I might be noticed back in return.
Magic.
Thanks to Beth Burnham for the title of this one. And for the English Breakfast Tea. And the real milk. I appreciate you.
Serendipities 