Educators have a tough role to fill. We are responsible for the care and well-being of hundreds of students throughout our lifetime. (A demanding job I am happy to tackle.)
Students come from various backgrounds, and each one of their stories is unique. Thus, it is our daily challenge to lessen these differences by providing each generation with the gift of knowledge that allows every single student equal opportunity to succeed as an adult.
Meanwhile, we must acknowledge students' differences and celebrate each of their unique strengths. A classroom is a team, working together toward the same goal: learning. And the team is only as strong as their weakest player.
Yet, education should never discourage students, rather education should be encouraging and freedom-giving.