Don’t Be Afraid to Acknowledge Excellence When You See It

Posted: January 28, 2025 by Mary Oluonye

One Sunday, I observed two teens — or very young adults — displaying excellence in the way they were helping other young people with their work. Seeing such professionalism, care, and skill in action was eye-opening.

What caught my attention

The first was a young man, about 16 years old, tutoring a boy around 11 or 12. I had gone to the library to do some work, and they were seated nearby. What caught my attention was how the young tutor began by assessing the boy’s current level of understanding. He tutored him in English grammar and reading comprehension. I listened to how he explained the difference between complete and incomplete sentences and what teachers typically look for.

The tutor was natural and put the younger boy at ease. He identified areas where the boy needed help, and by the time the boy’s mom arrived to pick him up, the tutor had a plan of action. He spoke with the mother about what he had noted and scheduled the next appointment. That’s when I realized he was being paid for his work — entrepreneurship in action!

Mesmerized by a young math tutor

But what truly mesmerized me was the young woman tutoring at the table next to mine. Initially, I thought she and another young girl were classmates working on a math project. It wasn’t until the girl’s father came to pick her up that I realized the young woman was a tutor. She answered the father’s questions about what they had worked on, and he handed her payment before setting up their next session. The girl looked happy and confident as she left with her dad.

Moments later, another student, a boy in his early teens, slid into the seat. He handed her some papers, which she reviewed quickly before asking, “Where is your work?” She emphasized that it was important for him to show how he arrived at his answers. “You’ve got to show your work.”

When he seemed unsure or frustrated, she didn’t let him off the hook with an “I don’t know” or an “okay.” Instead, she gently but firmly encouraged him to work through the problems. “Let’s work through it together.” Her ability to combine discipline, encouragement, and clear communication was astonishing. She was patient but didn’t lower her standards, pushing him to keep going.

By the end of the session, his transformation was visible. The boy, who had started out self-conscious and unsure, left looking more confident and relaxed.

I had to say something to her

Before she left, I motioned for her attention. “Can I speak with you for a moment?” I told her how impressed I was by her teaching style, her ability to connect with her student, and her clear explanations of math concepts. She put her hand over her heart and said, “Thank you. That means so much to me.” She explained that she used to be just like her student, which is why she understood his feelings and challenges so well. “What you said makes me so happy,” she added with a smile.

She also said that she had simply taught the young teen the way her father her taught her.

This experience left me deeply inspired. Young people are among the most brilliant and compassionate individuals in the world today. They are professional, empathetic, and resourceful. They know how to help themselves and others, often through entrepreneurship.

There was a time when I might have kept my thoughts to myself, feeling self-conscious about approaching a stranger. But I’ve learned to push past that hesitation. Reaching out to acknowledge someone’s excellence can create authentic, meaningful moments of connection. It’s a small gesture that can have a big impact.

When you see young people contributing to the growth and development of their peers, don’t hesitate to let them know how great they’re doing. A few words of encouragement can boost their confidence and inspire them to keep going. You’ll not only make their day but also create a ripple effect of positivity that benefits everyone who witnesses it.

For another story of inspiration, check out my article, Act of Kindness: One Evening in Kumasi, Ghana.

And finally, if you enjoy reading what I write about, then please Join my email list to stay connected for weekly stories about life, travel, writing, and more!

Thank you for reading!

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