My Dad used to tell me when I was growing up that “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

I became a therapist and counselor in order to help others.  I want to make a difference in people’s lives.  Like most helping professionals, however, I question whether or not I am making an impact on others.  In jobs like these, you won’t be acknowledged for your hard work very frequently.  Not many will come back and tell you what kind of an impact you’ve made or give you an update on how well they’re doing.

This morning, however, I was greeted by two little boys that I see for small group counseling. They both ran to me and gave me hugs and told me how much they missed me after a few weeks of not meeting due to standardized testing and winter break.  So much affection from such sweet little faces!… How could I not overflow with pride that maybe I am making a positive impact on their lives?

In the afternoon, I sat with a middle schooler who is in danger of not passing the 8th grade. After spending some time helping him organize his backpack and giving him a pep talk, he told me this:  “I know you’ve got a lot of kids to worry about and I’m not your only priority but, if you see me slipping with my grades again could you let me know?”  Then, pointing to the gator embroidered on his backpack, he said “My dream is to go to the University of Florida and I’m smart, I don’t want you to think I’m not.”  My response was simple: “I know you’re smart.  And the fact that you’re telling me this MAKES you my priority… I’ll over look the fact that I’m a ‘Cane and will support you wanting to be a Gator.” 😉

Whether he thinks he can or thinks he can’t, he’s right… Whether I think I can make a difference or I think I can’t, I’m right too.