School is back in session and students have returned to the classroom. They are learning critical lessons to become independent thinkers and problem solvers. They are acquiring the skills needed to contribute to society. I am grateful for the wonderful teachers and mentors I’ve been lucky enough to have…bo
th in and out of the classroom. Recently I saw a t-shirt that read “I teach. What’s your superpower?” Teachers truly are super heroes as they help make the world a better place for all of us.
Although formal classroom days are behind me, I continue to be surrounded by great ‘teachers' and 'mentors’ at Goodwill. This includes the dedicated leaders that keep our manufacturing facilities humming along. They serve as teachers and role models to help workers gain valuable skills. A recent conversation that I had reinforced their immense impact. I was walking through our manufacturing facility and was stopped by an employee I had met a few weeks prior, while he was on a project team responsible for assembling and testing large equipment. As we reminisced about our initial meeting, he told me how much he really enjoyed the hands on work and was proud of the team’s accomplishments. I was sad to learn he would soon be leaving Goodwill, as he was there on a work release program that was coming to an end. We had a great discussion on how much he learned through his time at Goodwill. He was thankful for the ‘teacher-student relationship’ that helped him learn what it takes to be a good employee and gain skills that will lead to a better life. On the right path and committed to staying the course, he is optimistic for the future and determined to succeed. His Goodwill teachers will surely be rooting for him!
