Hugo Ramirez’s Post

Check out this article from Altoona Mirror for a brief glimpse into my experiences as a struggling high school student - “Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

Thought provoking day back at The Gateway Primary Academy in Essex as part of my volunteer role as an Impact Coach for Yes Futures Coaching. Yesterday we were coaching Y5 children in the area of "self-awareness". I guess it's not surprising that the kids struggled with explaining what they thought "self-awareness" was and the reasons why it is important to have, when many adults aren't clear about what the benefits are and the consequences of poor "self-awareness". Before I share this with you, I'd be really interested to know your thoughts: 1. what does self-awareness mean to you? 2. what does having self-awareness give you? I look forward to reading your responses....

Think about this most discovery was not by educated individuals but by individuals whom had a thought an ability or a belief in themselves. Modern society has learned from watching, experience, being taught and yes from education. We did not just get up and walk we watched / learned and tried we did not just get up running. We can aways learn we can always share or experience. Mentoring and giving individuals a chance is how we have gotten us to were we are. Do not judge someone or an individual their experience may just be what you need to learn.

Read more about the unique journey of Kenmore Middle School's Heart & Sole team on our blog! See how they are building bonds and breaking barriers! What we can learn from their actions: - Our differences should bring us together, not separate us. - Encouragement is a powerful tool that we should all use to the best of our ability. - To get better at something we have to challenge ourselves. https://lnkd.in/eKZDGd7F

Check out this story on how CSULB peer and alumni mentors can help students navigate their way through college and better understand their personal goals:

A CANDLE LOSES NOTHING BY LIGHTING ANOTHER... 🕯 I have the privilege of spending most of my time engaging amazing students and staff teams. Here are 10 tips I think have been helpful when working with young people but definitley extends to people of all ages. I hope at least one of these can help in your personal or professional life! 💡 1. Welcome them with a smile, warmth and fit in a handshake if appropriate 😁 2. Get to know their names of your people and don't forget to use them 3. Respectfully share your promise to them and communicate your expectations from them - ask them for their agreement by show of hands or a yes or something! 🙋🏿♂️ 4. Share something about yourself before you ask them to share about themselves 5. Ask for their views by name, especially those that are a little quiet 😶 6. Ensure you have some connection with them before you correct them - you can lose them for good if you jump into correction mode prematurely 7. Please be authentic sincere and genuine! They can smell you a mile off and will 100% let you know they're not feeling your vibe! Authenticity builds trust and helps to create safe space for honest reflections. 😇 8. Be confident and humble enough to say you don't know the answer to a question if you don't know and offer to get back to them with an answer rather than waffle some nonsense to sound like you know what you're talking about when you clearly don't! 🙈 9. When the session is over tell them how much you enjoyed engaging them and ask them for any feedback if appropriate. Usually there are 10 tips but I've done 9. If you have any to add to my list please free to comment your tips below! 👇🏿 Always a pleasure working with these groups. Wishing these Year 11 Greenford High boys every success in their GCSEs. 🫶🏿 Comment 'ENGAGE' if you're interested in having these groups for your students! 🤳🏿 #focusmode #student #speaker #mentor #youngpeople #selfdevelopment #selfdiscovery #exams #education #self-belief #school #youngpeople #teacher #engage

Excellent advice for anyone fortunate enough to have or looking for a mentor: ‘’….. instead of asking to pick their brain, you ask them to retrace their route. The goal is to get your guides to drop pins—the key landmarks and turning points from their climbs. To jog their memories of paths long forgotten, you might inquire about the crossroads they faced. Those could be skills they sought out, advice they took or ignored, or changes they made. It can also help to tell them about the roads you’ve taken so far. As they learn about your prior paths and current location, they may begin to notice avenues for progress that they didn’t think to point out originally.” -Adam Grant (Hidden Potential)

Horsing around 🐴 Teaching history was the best job I have ever had, Inspiring students, having fun and impacting the next generation, those times in the classroom were so special to me. (Plus the occasional fancy dress was a highlight, a student used this horse mask during a presentation on the American West!) The problem was, while there are so many great things about teaching, the rigidity of school, lack of freedom and the immense pressure ultimately pushed me to leave the classroom. But if you’re anything like I was when I left teaching, You still want to make a difference to children, You want to impact the next generation, You value contribution and supporting others, But you don't know HOW to leave your teaching role and still help young people. If this sounds like you then join us on Wednesday 22nd May at 6pm BST for a brand new event; Freedom in Teaching. The aim? To helps educators boost their motivation, learn how to create autonomy for their life, take new action steps and follow their dreams. There are endless possibilities out there for teachers like you. This event will give you the courage to make a change, provide clarity on your next actions and confidence to live life on your terms. You can find the ticket link in the comments. Stronger together, Sam #teaching #education #schoolleaders #coaching

"To a carpenter with a hammer, everything looks like a nail," and in my view, mentoring, storytelling, and teaching are tools every seasoned professional should have in their belt.   Having navigated a successful career across various sectors, I firmly believe in the power of paying it forward. Why not level the playing field for the next generation? This commitment has not only shaped my approach but has also led to direct, impactful mentorship initiatives.   For instance, post-Kinko’s, I turned my attention to giving back to Texas High in Texarkana, a place pivotal to my early years. Despite the school's lack of a robust college counseling program during my time, I spearheaded efforts to mentor high-potential ninth and tenth graders, hoping to kindle their academic and professional ambitions.   This journey, stretching over fifteen years, culminated in 2021 due to several factors, including the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, the legacy of this initiative is profound: a wall in the school now bears the names of seniors and their chosen colleges, scholarship totals have skyrocketed from $3.5 million in 2006 to about $17.5 million in 2021, and the school's culture has evolved to encourage students to reach farther and aim higher.   This mentoring journey wasn't just about providing guidance; it was about creating an environment that nurtures ambition and celebrates achievement.   I have followed several of “my” kids into their thirties, along with many still in their twenties. My wife, Karleen, and I have been invited to weddings, and I have surprised many at their colleges.   It has been very gratifying and scratches my itch to see firsthand how giving back has helped students reach higher and further. And each successful outcome takes me back to that May evening in 1969, when I sat in that chair and engaged with my first mentor, Ross Perot, changing my life.   The experience reaffirms my belief: paying it forward is not just an act of generosity; it's an essential practice for those who have forged paths through uncharted territories.   It's about passing on the lessons learned, not just to ease the way but to inspire greater heights.   #Leadership #Mentorship #Inspiration #Innovation

It's another #TeacherTuesday, and we are so delighted to spotlight Coach Sammy Byther!   An educator at Mendenhall High School, Coach Byther holds many titles, including ninth-grade English teacher, junior varsity head football coach, and varsity defensive coordinator. As part of the Mendenhall High School football coaching staff, Coach Byther has played an integral part in the varsity team earning the titles of district champs three years in a row; 2022-23 South State Champs; and 2022-23 4A state runner-up. Outside of Simpson County, Coach Byther also holds other accolades, including recipient of the Athletic and Academic Excellence Award from Wesson High School and Wesson’s Key to the City recipient.   When asked how does he help our students believe, achieve and succeed, he stated: “When it comes to helping students believe, achieve, and succeed daily, there are a few strategies I use. One approach is to create a positive and supportive learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged. Creating a positive learning environment can involve various strategies. One example is fostering a sense of community in the classroom by encouraging collaboration and teamwork among students. This can be done through group projects, peer-to-peer learning, or even class discussions where everyone's ideas are valued. Another example is promoting inclusivity and respect by celebrating diversity and addressing any instances of bullying or discrimination. Providing a safe and supportive space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves is key. Additionally, setting clear goals and providing regular feedback can help students track their progress and stay motivated. It is also important to provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and passions, as this can foster a sense of purpose and drive.”   Thank you, Coach Byther, for all that you to do to ensure our students “Believe, Achieve, Succeed – Every Day!” #WeAreSimpson #BelieveAchieveSucceed #TeacherTuesday