Hello my friends,

I would like to share with you a recent relevant testimony of what sowing seeds in the lives of our students look like, especially when those seeds are watered, rooted, and bring forth fruit.

Just yesterday at the celebration of the opening of the new Scissor Tail Park area in downtown OKC, one of my students had the opportunity to perform.

At the end of his performance, a man walked up to me and asked, “Are you Mr. Rice the music teacher who worked at SeeWorth?” I said, “Yes” (not really knowing who he was). He then went on to say his name, and to tell me that he was a music producer who is not only receiving royalty checks for his beats, but he has even produced a beat for the famous rapper NBA YoungBoy. He then gave me his Instagram information.

All of that was impressive, and I congratulated him for his music success. But from our entire conversation, the thing that grabbed my heart the most was when he told me that he was one of my former students, and he has never forgotten my music classes. He said that it was there where he received the inspiration and motivation to do what he is doing today. This was about 17 years ago.

His words reassured me that even when I don’t know how effective my teaching currently might be, there are those who are getting it.

If you are a teacher I say to you, “Keep sowing seeds!” Even when it doesn’t seem like your teaching is taking root, don’t quit.

This student’s testimony is one of many former students whom I’ve recently encountered at convenient stores, restaurants and even church.

I know that the education system has incredible challenges from teacher accountability to student behavior, but if teaching is your passion, hang in there, and “KEEP SOWING SEEDS!”

I hope this encourages you.