the most important person in the world

as a teacher i asked students at the beginning of the school year, 'who do you think the most important person in the world is?' kids would guess: my mom, God, the President!

then i would show them my 'magic box.' this box will show you who the most important person in the world is. each student will look in the box, one at a time, to learn this secret - but don't tell anyone until i ask the question at the end.

each student discovered the answer with a smile or giggle. when everyone had their peek i asked them to answer all at the same time, 'who is the most important person in the world?' i would hear a cheer of variations of, 'ME!' inside the box was a mirror.

i went on to explain that each of us are our own 'most important person.' no one is more important than their neighbor, but we have to treat ourselves well because every one of us is very important. some kids still insisted that their mom or dad was more important.

i saw it as my job to help kids see the truth in my statement. i hope you can see it in yourself. only you can make sure you are treated well. by doing so, the world at large will be a better place.

*the magic box idea was one i found in a jack canfield book.