How Much Do You Make?

I got this from an email forwarded by a dear friend who like me belongs to the academe. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece. It made me misty-eyed but it surely made my day!

This is dedicated to all the teachers and mentors who sometimes forget what their true worth is. Indeed, money isn't everything. I am glad that I am always wanting in finances because I know that my true worth is not dictated by my wealth; not affected by inflation; does not expand exponentially by compounding interest rates; nor is it eroded by time........

The Teacher

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.

One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; “You’re a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest... what do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, “You want to know what I make?"

(She paused for a second, then began...)

Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like a Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.

You want to know what I make?" (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them question.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write... keyboarding isn't everything.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in
English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make e my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

I make my students stand and sing ………… every morning, because we live in this great country called …………

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given,
work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life."

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't
everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant...

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

“What do you make Mr. CEO?"

His jaw dropped, he went silent.


Now let me add my own take on this.....

..... that to really learn, one need to learn discipline, control, and restraint.... that instilling discipline means that a teacher cares to want a student become the best that he can be....

I make a student take each failure as a step leading to the right direction..... that it is alright to fail as long as you learn from your mistake and move on.... that a teacher extends a hand's after each and every failure.....

.... that the best lesson in life is learned in living it taking both blows and breezes with magnanimity.........

......that success is not determined by luck nor circumstances, it is a choice..........

To my former teachers and mentors, thank you for taking the time in charting our paths..........

Everyone is welcome to share your own piece of wisdom.