November 6, 2012

Just one thing.

Nov. 6, 2012 at 09:30 AM | By Chelette Stephenson | Comment Count

As I beat my head against my desk because the tenth student today has asked, “What is Naviance,” another student stops by with their college acceptance letter and asks when can I hang it up in the main hall. One touched.

Another morning, I leave at 6:15 A.M. so I can arrive early to Senior Coffee before school starts. With my car full of coffee, cream and gift cards, I run into a parent at the gas station who tells me last night’s College Prep meeting for parents calmed her fears. One touched.

“Did you know Mrs. Goldstein went to the college? I was thinking of attending,” asks a student. The result of a simple sign hanging outside of a teacher’s classroom displaying their alma mater and degrees awarded. One touched.

I wipe the chalk off my favorite black pants as I finish writing about the upcoming SAT/ACT prep in the College and Career Center. The next day I have to turn away students because all the seats are full. One touched.

It only takes one purposeful action to change a student’s life forever. I like to challenge myself daily to think of at least one thing to do a little differently, even though I may not know what that one thing is. Some ideas are completely out of the box, such as chalk art or electric-blue paint tape arrows directing students and visitors to the scholarship wall. Other ideas may celebrate student achievements, sponsoring events like “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” Senior Coffee, Cake Signing, or the Smart Cookie Party.

Do they all work? Admittedly, I still have students who look at me like I am crazy when I do my Wednesday Walks through the building, scouring the halls in search of college t-shirts and greatness in action. Not to mention, I have branded fingertips from making cotton candy for my teachers during monthly Teacher Tea Time.

Whatever the case, transforming school culture is never easy. There are one thousand hurdles to jump and one million mountains to climb. But when a member of my school community, whether a student, teacher, or staff member achieves the impossible, such as getting into college or having more students receive scholarships than the year before, I know we have made a difference.

My advice, instead of beating your head on your desk, challenge yourself to try one new idea each day. Just remember, it only takes one purposeful action: that one thing, one activity, one event, one conversation, or one smile can touch a student and change their life forever.

Changing School Culture

It’s the simple things that change lives: Chelette Stephenson is the college and career center advisor at Magnolia ISD in Magnolia, Texas. For ideas and activities that work, check out Chelette’s blog, Texas College Lady.

*Naviance Network members can also learn more about the activities listed in the post by logging in to view Chelette’s presentation.