Students as Teachers

by Education Blog

---

Posted on May 7, 2018

---

I recently read a blog titled “The good news is 70% of leaders survive their weakness?” When I read the title to this blog it jumped out at me because honestly since when is 70% a number that a leader shoots for when they enter a job. That seems low to me!  The article goes on to give four laws of strengths and weakness. One of the laws stood out to me, number 4. Number 4 says “there are exceptions to the laws of strength and weakness, but you aren’t one.” I began to think, how do I become one of the 30%?  I’m no exception, I have plenty of weakness; how will I overcome them?  This past week, gave me some insight into surviving my weaknesses.

I attended a fantastic Alva High School Band concert, and was amazed with the talent on display.  I can tell you attending concerts and assemblies that recognize the achievements of our students and teachers is the best part of my job.  I had a new experience Wednesday night, one that will have a profound effect on me the rest of my life.  I attended the Alva FFA State Convention.  Now if you know me at all to say my agricultural background is limited would be an understatement, but I thought I need to see what this is all about and learn more about our students and the programs we offer.  It was an absolute electric atmosphere, music, lights, horses, grand entrances, a guest speaker that shared great words of encouragement, the sound from the choir filled the arena, it simply had it all.  I absolutely cannot wait to attend next year, in fact I texted my wife during the program and said “we have to find a babysitter so you can come to this with me next year.”  After the program, I went to the stage to congratulate our students that earned their State FFA degrees and our new Northwest Area Vice President, whom I couldn’t be prouder of, and this is where the profound part of the night hit me. I saw tears, hugs, laughs, handshakes and it brought to me this realization; there is nothing better than standing back and watching a young person succeed, and sharing that success with their family and friends.  What a journey parents go through when their child reaches milestones at Alva High School!  I can’t imagine the emotions felt by those parents, the relief that it’s over, the pride of their child’s accomplishments, the sadness that they are soon beginning another chapter in their life, to be honest it overwhelmed me. As I climbed to the top of the arena to leave I realized that I’m the luckiest person in the world because I get to observe this scene at events each year.  

So, what does this have to do with leadership and surviving weaknesses?  I watched high school students play solos on instruments to a packed house, work on projects through the course of their high school career to accomplish a degree, and a student that ran for a state office knowing she could fail, persevere and win.  What did they all have in common?  They took risks, they showed grit, and they leaned on the support of friends, family, and teachers. I’m thankful for the students that we have here in Alva, and I’m glad I can continue to watch and learn from their example each year.

 

Respectfully,

Tim Argo

---