Rhonda Hicks is the Associate Director for Upward Bound at Wichita State University, a federally funded program sponsored by the Department of Education which helps recruit first generation, limited income students and grooms them to be college graduates.
In addition to that program she does educational consulting on her own time. It’s another step up from Upward Bound, which focuses on extreme cases of troubled students who may be in danger of dropping out.
Whether it’s a ride to school, standing in for them on a court date or simply daily encouragement, she’s made it her mission to save these students and “get them back on track”.
The following article expresses, in her own words, why she feels the need to be a difference maker. Maybe it will inspire you?
Educators Have the Power to Spread Positivity
When I position myself to impact a student I make sure that I am positively charged up with optimistic thoughts of success. Over the years I have developed a irrefutable concentrated determination to assist each student I encounter who wants to be successful to realize their ambitions and goals -- and I do it all by having positive thoughts.
Working with students K through 12 can be a challenge in itself. Working with students who are first generation and\or limited income can be more challenging because they are at a disadvantage; usually there is not one person in their home who is discussing college or post high school life. Sometimes the students’ dreams and goals are dampened with negativity.
The mission and the vision that I have charged to myself is to be a positive fanatic when it comes to students’ success. My mission is simple: Each teacher will have more time to teach and each student will reside in a classroom that is free from 
discipline and behavior issues. All students will graduate from high school on time and realize their full potential by having success everyday of their life. Lastly, it is my mission to impact students immediately in a positive manner.
I have learned that when I am positive and when I speak positive words and actions into students lives it makes the task of serving the student easier and smoother. I have noticed that being positive and empowering students at the same time can literally change a student from being negative to being positive.
By me deliberately having positive thoughts and actions, students sense this and they are not able to walk away any other way but to be positive.
When presented with a group of students or even one student who has been labeled as disengaged or lack of motivation I welcome this type of opportunity. I begin by asking students what they do not want. I usually get responses like: I do not want to go to jail; I do not want to be a teenage parent; I do not want to be like my parents and I do not want my grandparents to die.
Once I have heard the responses I then ask students if they are performing any type of actions or if they are hanging around certain friends that may lead them down the road of what they do not want.
Now here comes the key and this is what begins to help students become more positive about their life. When students begin to realize that they have control over their actions and their environment outside of their home they begin to perk up. The light comes on. To make a long story short, the students begin to make their own decisions and feel good about their decisions and they immediately are empowered to start speaking positive things about themselves.
Each time I see the student, whether it is in a meeting, on a field trip, in the hallways at school or in the community, I make a point to say something positive and uplifting.
This is the type of power a mentor, coach, and educator and/or advocate has when it comes to spreading positivity. Anyone who works with children should want to spread positive vibes every time the opportunity presents itself.
In conclusion the title, “Educators Have the Power to Spread Positivity”, simply means that educators or anyone who has a direct impact on a student literally can guide the student to a optimistic and positive outlook on life. The power of positivity can help a student turn their failing grades into above average grades. Being positive is more than just smiling and saying a few positive words to people here and there. Being positive is a lifestyle, it’s a mission, it’s a skill that should be developed. Spreading Positivity changes lives.
My name is Rhonda K Hicks and I have worked and consulted with students and parents for over 10 years. I have learned that students respond to a person who is positive and they respond to a person who loves them unconditionally.
(If you’re an educator and would like more information about how to be a positive roll in the life of a student contact Rhonda at rhondakhicks@gmail.com)