The remarkable impact of one teacher who believed in her students...

This story has had a lasting impact on me.

Many years ago, before I was ever published in a Chicken Soup book, I read a C.S. story about a substitute teacher who was assigned as a long-term sub. Small class, but the numbers next to each students' name threw her for a loop. She doubted she could reach these students, but she believed she owed it to them to do her best. She developed and provided enrichment activities.

After six weeks, the principal asked her how she had improved the students' scores in all areas. Their achievement was off the charts.

"I just did what I could to inspire them. I was afraid when I saw that they were all gifted, but..."

"What made you think they were gifted?"

"I saw their IQ numbers next to their names."

"Those were not their IQ's; those are their locker numbers. They are special education students."

We are all special, and we all have the need for affirmation, someone to believe in us. We also need to believe in ourselves. How many times have you told yourself you couldn't do something? How many negative messages do you feast on? "Oh, I'm not a writer. I don't write well enough to submit a story. Nobody would be interested in..."

Rephrase, reframe and the results will surprise you.

Conceive it, believe it, achieve it!