An Award

A couple weeks ago I got this letter in the mail.

To be honest, I didn't even know Dixie had a program like this. I didn't and still don't really know what "Student of the Semester" really means. But, I went with Tim to the luncheon and it was just lovely.

Upper left corner there

One student is chosen from each major.
Here we are!

Tim made me feel so good!
He was so complimentary of me and not at all
jealous or... I can't think of the other word I'm looking for.
But he's awesome.

The point of this post is not to brag about how awesome I am, because seriously I know so many kids in the Comm department that are a million times better than me at everything in the world. But through this little process I noticed a few things. 

First, as I stated above, how amazing Tim is. Since we are both in school, I feel like he could have easily been jealous or like "Why did YOU get that?" Of course I know Tim would never act like that, but I wonder if I would have felt the same way for him as he did for me if the tables were turned? He was so completely happy for me and and proud of me.  I am so glad he would take time off work and be there for me, it really means so much. He bragged me up and embarrassed me all over town. It was a huge reminder to me that I need to take joy in other people's successes. 

Second, rewards can do amazing things. At this point in the semester (near the end) I feel like I am just struggling to get by. I didn't think my professors noticed me, didn't think I was doing anything great. But then I received this, and have amazed myself with the renewed confidence I have in myself and the desire I have to meet these high expectations. I don't want to have this "title" or whatever you want to call it, and not live up to it. Obviously someone, somewhere, thinks highly of me and I want to make that person an honest person. It's just a reminder that people need to be rewarded. They need to be recognized and praised. For any amount of good they do. It increases productivity, builds self-esteem, renews confidence and goals. This can be a lesson in anything I do, whether it be parenting, managing, teaching, in my marriage, among friends, coworkers and family.