Don't be afraid to act!

On Friday I was doing my weekly duty in the main lobby. I have come to really enjoy this duty because it gives me the chance to greet many of my students as soon as they walk through the main doors. The simple act of saying "hello" while using a student's name can go a long way when trying to grow and develop student relationships.

As I stood there on my duty I noticed a young girl standing in the corner. She was standing alone and her head was directed toward the floor. I didn't think much of it...

Several moments passed as I continued my barrage of hellos and good mornings to my students. My eyes once again met the young lady standing alone in the corner. I thought to myself, "perhaps she's waiting for her friends..." I thought about it a little this time...

Another few moments passed and I was able to greet several more of my students. Just as the previous time, my eyes yet again came across the young lady standing alone in the corner. It occurred to me that this young lady might not be waiting for her friends, but rather she may be waiting for the bell to ring so she may go to class, as if the bell was some "freeing" signal that would save her from isolation and loneliness. I thought about it a lot this time... 

I decided I would go talk to her and keep her company. Now, I know I am probably not the coolest person in the world, but just maybe this small conversation with me could help this student get her day started on the right foot.

Our conversation lasted maybe 2 minutes, because almost as soon as our conversation started the bell rang.

I immediately felt disappointed. My opportunity to help and connect with this student who was in need was shortchanged because I failed to act. I failed to respond in a timely manner that could have provided a more in depth conversation. Was this young lady's Friday a much better Friday because of our conversation...? Probably not, but I can't be sure because our conversation was so short.

Please don't make my mistake be being hesitant, and please don't push the responsibility of acting on somebody else. If you notice a situation where you can help or make a difference, I urge you to step up and do what is right. Your actions may not be remembered, they might not be recognized, or they might not even be needed, but I would rather we all error on the side of overacting than failing to act...