Growing up is not an easy experience. For many, the growing up years are filled
with disappointments and uncertainties. Each of us probably can think of a
person or event that served to inspire or encourage us during this difficult time in
our life. I recall how a young elementary teacher encouraged me and made me
feel like I was important.
I was in the 6th grade at Rogers Elementary School, which was part of the
Melvindale Northern Allen Park School District in the Detroit area and I had
joined the 6th grade basketball team. It wasn’t that l loved basketball, it was
because I was big and tall and I felt like I should play. Unfortunately for me, I
really wasn’t a good player. The other guys understood the basics of the game
and were really motivated. I felt like I had two left feet, I could not run very fast at
all. I couldn’t really jump that great and my shot, well, it had a lot to be desired.
After several games into the season, it was apparent I just wasn’t that good of a
player. At that stage of my young life, I lacked the confidence that would come to
me later in life, but I could not peer into the future and see how things would turn
out. I needed someone to give me some encouragement.
In the middle of the season, l was through. I told the other guys on the team
that I was going to quit. After all, l hated running and sweating only to feel like a
loser.
After practice, the coach, Rod Evans, came to be and said he wanted a word
with me. He informed me that my teammates had told him I was going to quit. I
told him that it was indeed true. This would be my last practice. He looked at me
very kindly and said, l hope you don’t do that. The team needs you. What could
I say then? The team needed me? Really? Who was I to argue? l could not quit
after that talk. l finished the season. More importantly it taught me a lesson about
being part of a team. lt taught me a lesson about leadership, encouragement and
loyalty.
You see, I thought Mr. Evans would have lightened his load by ridding himself of
me. lt is difficult to work with players that aren’t as agile or athletic as the others,
but he was willing to do that for me. He was loyal. His kind words were
encouraging and he demonstrated to me what real leaders do.
I never did become a great basketball player, but I was successful in life, which is
far more important. I have gone through many life experiences that were difficult
and I thought it was time to quit, but Mr. Evans kind words always kept coming
back to me. You see, he believed in me, therefore, I had to believe in myself.
It was 50 years later that I found Mr. Evans on Facebook, now retired and living
in Florida. I connected with him to let him know what an impact that experience
had on my life. This is surely one of the many rewards good teachers receive
when a former student lets them know how they positively impacted a students
life! Thank you Mr. Evans!