Gratitude Post 5
This month’s gratitude post is inspired by one of those incredible people we cross from time to time in our journey. One of those people who helps us realize our dreams are more than possible and helps us believe in ourselves.
For this woman’s generosity, her empowering conversations and positive outlook, I give thanks.
Expansion of Education
I don’t know if you’ve ever seen one of those young individuals who are wearing a XXL t-shirt, stretching down to their knees, covering up the pants that are a few sizes too big which are sagging due to a belt that isn’t nearly tight enough.
Well during my time in college, that was me.
I still remember walking into one of my first classes at Highline Community College, hat to the side, ready and willing to expand my education, but nervousness filled my mind.
This class that I walked into however, couldn’t have came into my life at a better time.
Little did I know, that the over the course of the next few years the instructor of this class, Toni Castro, would help me recognize my gifts and sharpen my strengths.
Propelled by the Empowerment of Others
I recall one of the many lesson’s Toni taught. She mentioned that our lives are like an iceberg. 10% of ourselves are shown to the people and world around us and 90% of our lives are hidden within us.
That was the first time I thought about the inner parts of my life that I was hiding from the people around me?
Another valuable lesson she taught the class was the importance of equal rights and respect for all. Just like a great salad requires many ingredients other than romaine lettuce or spinach, so too does a healthy, vibrant world require a diverse group of people.
Even the onions that make people cry are welcomed.
Aside from her insightful lessons, the time she took outside of class to truly empower her students is what made the difference.
I remember Toni was the only teacher during my first quarter of college who went out of their way to get to know me, a new kid to Seattle, fresh from Salt Lake City, scared and filled with doubt.
I later realized she did much more than teach. Toni cared about the well-being of her students and as the director of Multicultural services at the school, stood up for the voice of the minority.
Doors of Opportunities
After I finished my first quarter of college, I continued to stay in touch with Toni.
As her responsibilities grew at Highline, she no longer taught classes, therefore, I made sure to go speak with her ever other week or so, just to keep her inspiration, positive outlook and motivation around me.
It was during these times I began to realize what was possible for my life. Toni constantly reminded me that it didn’t matter where I was from or what the past may be, today holds doors of opportunities open for us who are confident enough to walk through them.
She began to point me in the direction of leadership events, invited me to join and speak student boards and panels as well as opened my mind to the possibilities of sharing my voice with others.
It is incredible what happens when one takes time out of their lives to help you remember how great yours can be.
Lessons to Live Greater
I would like to invite you to begin to look back into your experience of life and recognize those people who’ve empowered you.
You may have not went to college, or may have never met someone like Toni Casto.
I am assured if you look back into your past from the right perspective you’ll see numerous people who believed in you and helped you find more confidence within yourself.
These are 3 powerful insights the mentoring of Toni Castro has brought into my life. I would like to share those here:
#1 – Propelled By Another’s Vision – When someone believes in you, it can be the fuel you need to propel yourself into higher realms of life. There was not a single time when Toni deflated my character; instead, even in times of severe poverty, unable to pay my tuition, she saw the true me and wouldn’t let me retreat from solvable issues.
Be around people who see the best in you, it will help you see the best in yourself.
#2 – Importance of Communication – There were about 30 other students in that first class with me, but as far as I know I was the one who stayed in touch with Toni. This goes to show the importance of putting ourselves in situations which enable us to network with others.
Not only is it important to network, but it is key to have people who are living balanced lives in our life that can help us, direct us and empower us along our journey.
#3 – Serendipity – The greatest lesson that I’ve learned thus far from over a 10 year friendship with Toni Castro is that we are supported each step of our journey. Especially, if those steps help to make our lives and the lives of another greater.
Even when we are at a low point in our lives, the person or people, or event, or thought, that can begin to reverse the situation is awaiting our discovery.
This person for me was Toni Castro.
Gratitude
Who is one person who has truly empowered you in the last few years?
Write them, call them, email them, close your eyes, breathe and thank them from the depths of your heart.
I would like to thank you for taking time out of your day to visit Three Key Life. I am very grateful for you.
and… Thank you Toni..
Peace
Happiness
Compassion
Respect
Jeffon Seely
Three Key Life
Community College photo credit: Rob Ketcherside via photopin cc