James Earl Jones was a remarkable actor with an unforgettable voice. He did many movies and Broadway plays but was perhaps best known for being the voice of Darth Vader. That iconic role will forever be his legacy to the world but his true life story is perhaps much more interesting. 

Unbeknownst to most of us, James Earl Jones was almost mute as a young boy. His stutter was so bad that he spoke very little lest he be ridiculed. it was not until he was a high school student that he finally came out of his shell. He wrote a poem for an English class that was so stunning that the teacher challenged him with an accusation that he must not have been the author of the piece. Of course, Mr. Jones had to defend himself and the teacher made a deal with Jones to prove his authorship by reciting the poem in class. Jones practiced for days both to hide his speaking problem and to perfect his delivery with the emotional impact that he intended to poem to convey. His delivery was impeccable and it changed to course of his life as his wise teacher rewarded him with high praise for both his creativity and his sonorous voice.

It is rather incredible how a single event or person has the power of making or breaking us. I remember times when teachers had similar impacts on my development as an adult. The first grade teacher who showed me how to overcome my slight dyslexia unlocked the techniques that I would always use to read and learn. The college coach who took the time to teach sports to me step step increased my confidence in my physical self. The English teacher who insisted that I had a gift for writing helped me to realize that I might have something worthy of sharing. Then there was the principal who had faith in my ability to be a leader and scheduled me to be the acting principal for summer school. 

There always seem to be people who see our talents better than we do. If they take the time to encourage and push us we often find ourselves attempting things that at one time were unthinkable. In the process we realize our own talents and find the joy that comes from actually using them. I suspect that everyone has one or more persons in their lives who granted them the gift of acknowledgement. 

My mother often spoke of an English teacher who told her that she had an amazing grasp of the English language. That was quite a compliment for a young girl who was the daughter of immigrant parents who spoke little or no English. She took great pride in being able to speak and write with precision and eventually became a teacher herself. 

My husband had a professor who became a mentor and lifelong friend. The relationship came at a time when he was struggling to find himself and doubting his own abilities. Throughout the rest of his career there would always be people who saw his skills and talents even though he is by nature a very quiet and unassuming man. Those people opened doors for him that he would never have known to take on his own. 

Mentors are wonderful people who encourage others rather than competing with them. They enjoy finding the sometimes hidden talents that every person has. I have tried to be such a person. I remember encouraging a student who was heavily involved in gangs to use his artistic abilities. I purchased art supplies for him and told him to keep his best pieces in a portfolio that I gave him. He was quite stunned that anyone had noticed his work. I would like to think that he continued honing his talent and that one day he will be recognized.

We never know when we have changed another person’s life. Sometimes we do very little and don’t even remember the moment when that individual discovered something new and exciting about himself or herself. I’ve been stunned at times to hear the impact that I had on someone. it tells me that we would all do well to notice the good in each person and tell what we see rather than keeping it in our heads. Everyone benefits from hearing praise from someone else. Everyone is up to a challenge when its goal is to launch confidence and self belief.

As a math teacher I constantly hear from students who insist that they are terrible with numbers. That usually translates to being someone who has just never had the right explanations. Most of the time a really good teaching session brings amazing results. Math can be daunting but the right instructor makes it magical. 

Look around you and find the people who are struggling with themselves unaware of talents hiding in plain sight. Tell them when you see wonderful things in them. Don’t lie or exaggerate, simply be truthful in sharing what is obviously wonderful about them. Maybe it is their kindness. Maybe it is a certain talent. Maybe it is their willingness to work hard to change. Whatever you see, mention it. Your notice may help create another James Earl Jones or maybe just a dedicated teacher who loves to read and write blogs and is comfortable in her own skin.