Encouragement is Essential


Galarza, Ernesto (2011). Barrio Boy. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press.

Pages 250, 257

Ernesto had people in his life that encouraged him. His uncle Gustavo, who worked as a camello all his life, pointed out that Ernesto could have his choice of career – lawyer, doctor, engineer, or professor. Gustavo made Ernesto understood that books, and thereby education, were the keys to these choices and opportunities. His uncle determined that Ernesto would have more opportunities than he himself had and encouraged him to take advantage of those opportunities. Ernesto’s teacher, Mr. Everett, also recognized Ernesto’s potential and encouraged him, suggesting he join the debate team and attend Stanford after high school, making “other by-the-way comments that began to shape themselves into (his) future.”


As educators, we have the opportunity to have a profound effect on our students’ confidence. Even “by-the-way” comments can encourage students that they can succeed. It is important that we ensure students know we are confident in their abilities, instead of assuming that it is obvious. Mr. Everett encouraged Ernesto in specific, directed ways that shaped his future. His directing Ernesto toward debate would provide a path for Ernesto, as he became well-known for his labor organization and advocacy. While we cannot know at the time if students will follow our advice, if we know our students well enough to point them toward things at which they may excel, their likelihood of success is greater. This encouragement is especially important for students from diverse backgrounds, as they may not have had access to the same opportunities as mainstream students. By ensuring we provide students with an equitable and high quality education, we can help give them with equal access to those opportunities.

Comments

  1. E.A.June 25, 2017 at 10:51 AM

    Hi Stacey-
    You make a great point when you talk about the fact that we as educators have a responsibility to recognize and see the potential in our students. Furthermore, we not only ought to see and recognize that potential, but we also much encourage and develop that potential. While there may be students who never listen to those bits of encouragement that we give, there will always be those who do. As you point out, a large part of why Ernesto was able to succeed in his life was because he had a teacher who saw his potential and found ways to develop and encourage that potential. Additionally, you mention Ernesto's uncle, who clearly had a profound impact on Ernesto's life. This just goes to show that we as educators and mentors can help students reach their goals and dreams, even with simple little positive comments. At the same time, if we really see their potential and help develop it, by, for example, encouraging them to join teams like the debate teams, we can put them on that path to success. I think this is a really important thing to consider as an educator.

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