(Continued from a previous story)
A large woman with salt and pepper hair, and twinkling brown eyes, Mrs. Jordan, my fifth grade teacher, had a voice that boomeranged off the walls of her tiny classroom. The school was Blue Creek Elementary in Latham, New York (just outside Albany).
On one sunny afternoon, she asked the class a question. I read her lips from my front-row seat and immediately raised my hand.
I couldn’t believe it – despite my fears, I felt uncharacteristically confident because — for once — I was sure I had the right answer.
But, when she called on me, I was suddenly afraid. Here was an opportunity to impress the powerful teacher and show her I was worthy of her love. Maybe even impress my classmates a little.
I didn’t want to blow it. I took a deep breath and nervously answered her question.
Her explosive response startled all of us.
She enthusiastically slammed her right foot on the floor and whirled her finger a full circle until it pointed directly at me. With sparkling eyes and a wide smile she cried, “THAT’S RIGHT STEPHEN!”
For the first time in my young life, I felt like an instant star. My heart burst with pride as an ear-to-ear grin filled my face. I sat a little taller in my chair and puffed out my chest. My confidence soared.
It was amazing how a simple three-word phrase delivered with incredible enthusiasm had totally transformed my young life.
“THAT’S RIGHT STEPHEN!”
All it took was three words to get me to think that I would make a place for myself in this world no matter how many obstacles I had to overcome. From that day forward, my grades and speech improved dramatically. My peers suddenly looked at me with new respect and my outlook on life did a complete turnabout.
The next story “The Bully…..” demonstrates the power of Mrs. Jordan’s three words.
FYI, I now have a keynote speech called “That’s Right Stephen!” for speaking engagements. You can see the speech description here. There’s also a YouTube video showing me giving Mrs. Jordan a surprise of a lifetime on a national talk show to thank her for saying those three words. Click here to see it.
Let me ask you this: Have you taken a moment to REMEMBER who helped you in your life?
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8:11 am on October 11th, 2007 1
[...] but it also caused a huge ripple effect throughout the rest of my life. You can see the story here and [...]
6:27 am on October 15th, 2007 2
[...] for thought: Doesn’t this remind you of the fifth grade teacher story? Think of what the power of reaching out to someone can do for that person. It will forever cause a [...]
6:57 am on October 15th, 2007 3
[...] I gave a presentation to members from the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce where I shared the “That’s Right, Stephen!” story. At the end, during a question and answer session, I was inspired with an idea for [...]
2:30 pm on October 17th, 2007 4
[...] Stephen has a special fondness for teachers; you should check out his story of how his fifth-grade teacher impacted his life. [...]
4:26 pm on October 23rd, 2007 5
[...] After several weeks of revisions, we finally came out with a DVD that will be included in the book proposal for “THAT’S RIGHT, STEPHEN!” (remember the impact Mrs. Jordan made on my life? Remember the story of “Three Words“? [...]
5:11 am on November 13th, 2007 6
Stephen,
Thanks for sharing this post. You just made me
remember the people that specifically told me back
then “I BELIEVE IN YOU!”
I have to get in touch with them NOW!
Thanks buddy
7:05 am on November 13th, 2007 7
Adebola:
And when you get in touch with them, they will forever remember it. You will have touched their lives in return for touching yours.
Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed this story. I’m glad it inspired you to reach out to the people who believed in you so long ago.
4:59 pm on January 22nd, 2008 8
Thanks Stephen. Good stuff. There’s a song entitled, “I Believe in You” off of a Touched by an Angel Soundtrack that would go perfectly with this presentation if you ever give it again. It’s probably 7 or 8 years old but would work well. I blog a little about adversity at http://www.discoverj.blogspot.com. check out “Father of Illegitimate Adversity” if you go. Thanks!
8:30 am on January 23rd, 2008 9
Jonathan:
Welcome, welcome and welcome to the Adversity University community! I’m glad you decided to stop by and leave a comment. Thanks!
The song you referenced does seem to fit in with the theme of this article, doesn’t it? I wonder if I decided to use it, if I would have to get special permission for it?
Thanks for letting me know about your blog, I’ll certainly check it out. “Father of Illegitimate Adversity” sounds intriguing!
Thanks again for taking the time to leave a value-added message. I love interacting with my readers and visitors.
11:02 pm on May 11th, 2008 10
Teaching is such an honorable profession. I taught fifth grade for several years, and loved it. IMHO, the age of the students is perfect. They are just old enough to be involved in “serious” discussions, but they’re too young to be disillusioned with school.
I loved every minute of it……………:)
Today, I still do private tutoring, and I know when they leave my class, they’re excited about the next lesson.
11:10 pm on May 11th, 2008 11
In fact, right now, I’m watching “Mr Holland’s Opus,” a great movie about the power of teachers.
LisaNs last blog post..Mike Foster left a comment for Jacqueline
5:42 am on May 12th, 2008 12
LisaN:
What an absolute honor to meet a former fifth grade teacher! Thank you so much for stopping by and reading this story. I’m thrilled to hear that you made a difference with your students and how, because of you, they were excited about the next lesson.
I have such fond memories of the teacher – what a powerful woman! She planted that seed of greatness in my mind when I needed it most. I love how she slammed her foot on the floor and pointed her finger at me when I gave her the answer. It feels as if it happened yesterday.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. BTW, I also saw “Mr. Holland Opus” and loved it. Also, if you know of national teacher organizations that need inspirational speakers, please send them a link to my demo tape: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMPcAfxNzvU
Thanks!
6:59 am on June 18th, 2008 13
…I am so blessed with the people who express their confidence in me!… I try to stay in touch and update them on my progress…. yesterday, I visited an old teacher of mine, what a happy reunion it was, even though we have not seen each other for just 1,5 years, since I last left the country. …I can only imagine how thrilled is your teacher with your success, Stephen!…
9:22 am on June 18th, 2008 14
Victoria:
It’s amazing, isn’t it? If we just open our eyes a little, we’d recognize how people come into our lives for a very special reason – often to help us get to the next level or teach us a lesson.
Congratulations on the reunion with your teacher! That must have been incredible event. What grade did you have this person for a teacher and what did he/she do that was so impactful?
1:10 pm on June 24th, 2008 15
As a fifth grade teacher it is wonderful story to hear about. I hope that I have a positive impact on my students as your Mrs. Jordan has had on you!
4:11 pm on June 25th, 2008 16
Rachel:
How great it is to have an actual fifth grade teacher come by and comment on this story!
I’m so glad it inspired you and I hope you share it with as many teachers as you can possibly think of. My goal is to let them know how important of a difference maker they are.
12:31 pm on January 17th, 2009 17
This post has a truly upbeat feeling. Thanks for offering new insight into your life journey. People relate to that and reach out for more.
In my own life, I think of a highshcool teacher who taught me the importance of three words; “cool, calm and collected.” I became a bit nervous during his class about controlling outcomes. My attendance became an exercise in regaining control of the fear of not meeting my own expectations. This teacher helped me reframe learning experience and I came to shift my focus to rise above my self-created fear.
1:29 pm on January 17th, 2009 18
@ Liara Covert:
I can’t believe it but even 35 years later, I remember the scene of that moment. I remember her face, body and action when those life altering words spilled from her lips.
We all have angels like that who appear on the stage of life at just the right moment to propel us forward. I’m forever grateful for it.
You were fortunate to have that high school teacher who had a gift of helping you get a hold of yourself and become centered. What a blessing!
7:40 am on December 14th, 2009 19
Certainly an inspiring story. I’ve been a school teacher for the past 14 years and I know how such simple words can always help the mental development of young children and in turn also help their future. Small things can go a long way. Especially with young children
12:12 am on April 2nd, 2011 20
Hi… Teaching is my life. I’m close to retirement age, but work with some inspirational “younger teachers”. It is my sincere hope that we have been (and will continue to be) “Mrs Jordan”s to students along our teaching journey. It is a privileged position to hold, and as your article has shared, one with so much “power” – (never to be abused)
7:33 pm on April 28th, 2011 21
That was more than I expected. To see the catalyst of which you’d spoken.
Those ‘few little words’ experiences over the years have stayed with me, also. Aside from the occasional Mrs. Jordan, most of us never will know how an act of kindness or a peeling, blinding moment of spontaneous joy can transfigure a life. Maybe that’s why we will still watch with joy “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
1:15 pm on May 15th, 2011 22
Thanks for the great post.
It’s amazing how the small things like this can have such a big impact on our lives.
I’ve always felt that the saying “sticks and stones can break your bones but words can never hurt you” is definitely not true. Words can have a huge impact on your life, whether they are negative or positive. In this case they were positive which is great.
Thanks for the lovely story.
All the best,
Bill Jenkins
Webmaster, LearnHowToBuildADogHouse.com
12:16 pm on May 18th, 2011 23
Yes, it’s true Bill – it’s incredible how nature provides us with the right thing, person or word at the right time that has the power to forever cause a ripple effect. I am still talking about it to this day! Thanks for sharing.
10:32 pm on May 25th, 2011 24
wow i almost cried when i read your story.
Actually, i’m jealous of your teacher.
Such a radiant cheerful charming woman..
Only a woman like that can make someone feel good.
I actually feel bad about myself,
and then when my spouse critiqued some people like me,
and praised another people,
i quickly made him feel wrong.
i knew it was me who was wrong, but i couldn’t hold myself from hurting back..
and i made wrong things over and over again..
congratulations, for both you and your teacher.
i envy both of you.
4:02 pm on May 30th, 2011 25
You, too, can rise above the ashes and attract wonderful people like Mrs. Jordan and others in your life. It happens when you see things from a cosmic perspective and realize that everything happens for a reason. I’ve had teachers like Mrs. Jordan help me realize I could do what I set my mind to and I’ve also had people criticize and put me down. I’ve learned not to allow that to happen to me anymore because I made a firm decision that I would learn from these lessons and move on. I’ve also had to learn to love myself first. Now that I accept myself, others can’t help but accept me as well.
I’m also learning to release years of repressed emotions that no longer serve me. It’s a lot of work but oh so worth it. I recommend you take a course called releasetechnique.com
5:51 am on June 9th, 2011 26
A great story, but you should go into more detail about why those three words changed you so much. Were you neglected before? What would your young be life if she had told you you were wrong?
10:38 am on June 9th, 2011 27
That’s Right Stephen! Like you, I do also have 3 words to remember from my elementary teacher – Great Job Anna! That was after our first dance number during our cultural show! Minisite Design
10:40 am on June 15th, 2011 28
What compulsive reading this is! It stirs in me similar feelings from when I read Napoleon Hill’s story of his son, born without ears. Desire and FAITH. She had faith in you; and helped you instil it in yourself.
“…desire backed by faith, because I have seen this power lift men from lowly beginnings to places of power…” Napoleon Hill
12:14 am on July 4th, 2011 29
Aww, this article is s cute! I think teachers and other authority figures really play a role in boosting your self-esteem. I remember my fifth grade teacher,who did the complete opposite. She liked calling on students who seemed to look confused to answer, and if they couldn’t, she would make them stand for the whole duration of the lecture. I think that pretty much cemented my hatred of mathematics…
11:36 am on July 6th, 2011 30
Lina, they can and do have a role in boosting other people’s self-esteem. Your fifth grade teacher, believe it or not, was also playing a divine role (perhaps without realizing it) to force the confused students to think on their feet and become more confident in the process b/c otherwise they might never have had the chance to test their courage. It works both ways. Interesting perspective, isnt’ it? Cheers!
12:36 pm on July 6th, 2011 31
Karen: Dont’ you just love it! Those quotes from Napoleon Hill – awesomely powerful. When I read “Think and Grow Rich” I was surprised to find that he had a deaf son!