Being Positive - The Power of a Pencil - a reflection by Ryan Abramson at Oakridge Leaders

In the last few weeks, major league baseball players have been using their specially painted bats during games. The very cool pencil bat has reminded me of one my first lessons on why we must always be positive.

Have you ever wondered how some people seem to exude positivity no matter what life throws their way? How they maintain an unwavering focus on the opportunities ahead, even in the face of adversity? I've been asked that question countless times, and the answer is simple:

One of the most profound experiences that reaffirmed this belief for me was during a trip to Alabama for a conference. There, I had the privilege of meeting a teacher named Rich from a rural community outside Birmingham. Having only encountered schools in metropolitan areas before, learning about the challenges and triumphs of a rural educational setting was truly eye-opening.

Rich shared an anecdote that left me speechless. In the school where he taught, students were required to bring a few simple supplies to class each day, one of them being a pencil. While this may seem trivial, the story behind this rule was a fascinating look into a world that I did not even know existed.

Living in a financially disadvantaged area, most students relied on free meals at school, outdated textbooks, and teachers purchasing school supplies out of pocket. Rich recounted how he found it ironic when schools closed due to inclement weather because for many students in his community, a school closure meant going hungry that day.

The simple act of bringing a pencil to school served as a tangible representation of the policy of “being ready” to learn each day. It wasn’t about imposing elaborate rules or setting lofty expectations; it was about the basic readiness to engage in education. Rich shared a heart-wrenching detail that continues to resonate with me even today - some children stayed home from school simply because they lacked a pencil.

It struck me profoundly that the barrier between a child and their education, their opportunity for growth, could be as simple as a $10 pack of pencils. Yet, for families struggling to make ends meet, even this basic necessity could be out of reach, especially towards the end of the month. The reality of students missing out on education because of a pencil left me speechless.

However, Rich’s perspective, so powerfully articulated, reshaped my outlook on life. As I tried to express my thinking, he uttered words that resonated deeply: “But, if I did not show up each day, who would teach them?" In that moment, where I saw obstacles, he saw a purpose way beyond anything I had ever seen.

Life's challenges will undoubtedly test our resolve, present hurdles we never anticipated, and push us to our limits. Yet, as Rich’s story shows, it’s not about the magnitude of the obstacles but our response to them that defines our journey. In a world where a simple pencil could mean the difference between attending school and going hungry, the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering positivity shines through.

I choose to be positive because what else should I be? I could have a disease. I could be dying. I could be homeless. I could be a million negative things. But choosing to smile, to be polite, to say thank you, to hold a door...those are simple, like having a pencil. Sure there will be times when it's the end of the month and things get tough, but there is also tomorrow, where a new opportunity is waiting.

Ryan Abramson is a leading communications consultant with a passion for helping individuals share their unique stories. With 25 years of leadership in independent schools and marketing, and two decades of consulting experience, Ryan provides tailored solutions to help you effectively communicate your message.

Ryan holds a Bachelor's degree in English, with a minor in Philosophy, from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. During his time at CUA, he interned for a U.S. Senator for three years. He later earned a Master's degree in Education from La Salle University in Philadelphia, focusing on Educational Leadership and Student Success.

Beyond his professional expertise, Ryan is an avid traveler, having visited 38 U.S. states and numerous countries around the world. His favorite destinations, besides his hometown of Philadelphia, include Las Vegas, NV, and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.

​

A dedicated fan of the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers, Ryan takes pride in the vibrant diversity and culture of Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.