b'Fast forward from 1972 to 1995. College algebra was a prerequisite for obtaining an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force.Because of the destructive language spoken to me by my 8th grade math teacher, college algebra was extremely Hearts and minds aredifficult. I prevailed after four attempts and completed algebra because I refused to allow negative words spoken into my life opened in the home,to defeat me and handicap my full potential and future. I went on to serve 26 years in the United States Air Force, earn three associatedegrees,abachelorsdegree,amastersdegree,a in the classroom, ingraduatecertificateinconflictmediation,andampursuing my doctorate degree in educational leadership. I am a College your circle of influenceProfessor, Internationally Certified Leadership Coach, Leadership Trainer,CertifiedEducationalConsultant,ConflictResolution when there are caringTrainer, and Motivational Speaker.Im an Honorary Colonel in the Arkansas State Police, Honorary Member of the Arkansas HighwayPolice,andaCertifiedArkansasLawEnforcement parents, guardians, andInstructorinRapidResponse,SpecialWeapons,andTactics (SWAT). My wife Pat and I have been married over 42 years; we educators who modelraised two highly successful, beautiful daughtersour oldest is a pediatrician and our youngest is an attorney. and teach with passionWhileIamproofthatyourpastdoesnotdetermineyour futureyoudetermineyourfuturetherearemanychildren who do not overcome the harsh words spoken into their lives. and manage withWords have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble. Considering compassion. the power of the words we utter, we must discipline ourselves to speak to our children in a way that conveys respect, gentleness, and humility. We must model kindness and speak words that are beaconsofinspiration,enthusiasm,andencouragementifwe wish to set high expectations of our children.words to students or to anyone. Our teacher was operating fromEditorsNote:ProfessorJeffWillieisanexecutiveleadership alowexpectationparadigmforAfrican-Americanboys.Hisconsultant,conflictresolutiontrainer,coachandmotivational expectations of African-American boys or your expectations ofspeaker with a passion to help individuals and businesses improve your children become a self-fulfilling prophecy. productivity, performance and profitability. Jeff earned our Very Most of us are familiar with a common childhood chant, SticksInspiring Parent Award in 2018 (March/April), which chronicled and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.his inspirational personal story. Reach Jeff at jeff@jeffwillie.com.Obviously, we know that is not true. Words can cause long-term emotional harm that may impair an individual from reaching his or her full potential. Before speaking, take a few moments to contemplate what you will say and how you will say it, while considering the impact your words will have on the listeners. Kind words are always music to their ears. Educators/Parents:(1)areenthusiasticabouttheirchildren andparticularsubjectandseetheconnectionstoeverydayWhat are the words life, (2) model expectations in language and actions, (3) have a commitment for continuous learning, (4) believe all children canyou are speaking into learn at a high level, (5) value the many ways children/students communicate and engage and encourage different communicationyour childrens lives? models, (6) respect and develop a productive relationship with students, parents, and guardians from different socio-economic backgrounds and diverse communities. There is life and death IagreewithMadelineHunterwhenshestated,Kidsdont care how much you know until they know how much you care!in words. Caring, belief, encouragement, and unconditional positive regard are the keys that unlock the heart and mind. Hearts and minds are opened in the home, in the classroom, in your circle of influence whentherearecaringparents,guardians,andeducatorswho model and teach with passion and manage with compassion.50GoodLifeFamilyMag.comSEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2019'