We can all, I hope, think of someone who inspired us as youngsters; a role model, or maybe someone who is responsible for that one act that changed our lives for the better.
When we think of those who inspire young people, we often think of firefighters, police officers or maybe doctors. But there are other professions that can make a huge difference in our lives such a teachers. A teacher who children look forward to seeing and learning from each day are worth their weight in gold.
In the case of kids at a school in Virginia, USA, it was a cafeteria manger that became a huge inspiration after coming up with a genius idea to remind pupils at the school how special they are. You’ll be blown away when you find out how.
Stacey Truman, who is in charge of the cafeteria at Kingston Elementary School, spends a few minutes every day writing messages to school students. They may vary, but all of them bring joy and are an inspiration to those who read them.
This is a special act in itself but where she writes them is genius; a place guaranteed to get the kids’ attention.
Message on a banana
Stacey writes these powerful messages on the bananas served in the school cafeteria. The messages are simple; they can range from “You’re smart” to “Your future is bright.”
But it’s not just the students who love the idea of the “talking bananas”. Even the staff at school praise Stacey for her efforts.
Stacey, who has worked at the school for nine years, said: “I do it for my kids at home, so why not bring it here and do it for them because they are like my kids,” Truman said to WTKR.
When the school’s principal, Sharon Shewbridge saw the positive effect the “talking bananas” were having on the students, she decided to share a picture of the bananas on Twitter, and now Stacey is celebrated worldwide.
Principal Shewbridge said Stacey was embarrassed by all the attention and said she just wanted it to be anonymous.
“It’s simple, but these words can help them be more courageous and realize that they are good enough,” Principal Shewbridge told Yahoo Lifestyle. “I hope that other schools see it’s an easy way to get a kind message to kids.”
❤️words of inspiration from our cafeteria manager for our students… #relationshipsmatter #heartwork pic.twitter.com/dj9MyKgI4q
— Sharon Shewbridge (@DrShewbridge) October 25, 2018
I just love Stacey’s idea, so simple yet so effective. Imagine how happy these kids are knowing someone took the time to send them a caring and motivational message.
Share this article with your friends on Facebook so that more people can see Stacey’s wonderful idea. If she’s not a role model, I don’t know who is!
