Recently I was reminded of my first memory of earning something from my personal efforts, a ring.
I was in first grade, and every week we were given a list of reading words to learn. We received a new list on Monday and Friday was test day. On Friday, we would stand by our teacher’s side at her desk and recite the words as she pointed to a list.
One Monday my teacher, a brilliant lady, introduced a game-changer. She pulled out a tray of what to me was a beautiful sight, a treasure trove. It was a tray of rings. Rings with gold bands, those handy adjustable bands. Rings with bright, multi-colored stones. All different and all beautiful to me. I know she introduced some things for the boys too. I don’t remember what, but I’m sure it would have been equally as enticing as those rings if I had been a boy.
She announced that each student who was able to get all the words correct on Friday; would be allowed to choose one of those rings for their very own.
Friday came slower that week. I worked extra hard, taking that worn list everywhere I went. From bike rides to my grandparent’s house. Spending a lot of time putting in extra effort and practicing extra hard that week. I wanted one of those pretty rings.
I don’t remember many things about first grade, but one thing that still brings me joy is to recall the feeling of picking out my ring. The ring that I put in extra effort for and earned.
Everyone didn’t get one; you had to work hard and get all the words correct. If it had been easy, or if she had just given out the rings, it wouldn’t have meant as much to me.
My first-grade teacher is always on my list of people I’m thankful for, and one reason why is I’m sure she was one of the first people that set me up for a successful career in sales.
Years later, when I started my first position as an outside sales rep, I still remember the thought I had when I was introduced to the bracelet I’d be given when I reached the $1,000,000 mark in sales for the company. That same feeling I had that Monday morning in first grade. I can do it, I can work hard, and I can earn that. I did do the work, and in a couple of years, I met that goal and earned the bracelet.
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