| A friend and colleague introduced me to “High, Low, Buffalo,” a conversation and connection activity she does with her daughters and students. What’s a high, a low, and something random or silly from your day? Like any good idea, I, too, had to adopt this immediately. Instead of asking, “how was your day,” we all share these random highlights.
When we return from Spring Break, my journal prompt for seniors is a “High, Low, Buffalo: Spring Break edition.” A moment for them to reflect on their memories that mattered as they approach this final quarter of this momentous year. I dream that they will one day stumble upon this journal and remember who they once were at seventeen and eighteen years old.
As a mom, I instantly learn insights about my daughters’ lives I may not have known otherwise — there can be lots of drama in kindergarten and fourth grade. And I get to connect with them about fun and challenging aspects of my career. They still love the story of the senior who “dabbed” every time he sneezed. Or the student who welded me an Adv. Comp sign by hand for my desk.
These are the small moments that matter. The connections with my daughters and my students will count. And it’s these moments that will make my career significant. Not the mountains of paperwork or the legislative threats compounding the stress of my job.
While the lows will be unavoidable, don’t forget to celebrate the highs. And take delight in your buffaloes.
Best,
Nikki Smith
ICTE President |
