BEST ADVICE: Donna Reynolds

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

"Be sure to recognize the efforts of people who do those silent jobs." — Donna Reynolds, First-grade teacher, Belle Terre Elementary

The best advice I ever got was to be sure to recognize the efforts of people who do those silent jobs: the custodians and maintenance workers.

I am a teacher and I walk into my classroom each morning to find a clean bathroom and tidy room. The hall floors in the building are shining, and all the walls have a fresh coat of paint when needed.

I rarely see these jobs being taken care of, but it is evident they are being done. To recognize these people during the school year, I occasionally leave a bag of candy or a small treat out with a note to say thanks for what you do.

During the course of the year, I may need the assistance of one of these workers. My small gestures may work in my favor because the people I have recognized always seem willing to help me out, too.

I think a small amount of recognition makes a person feel valued and they, in turn, are willing to be there when I need them. We all deserve to be applauded for our job, no matter how big or small it is.

— Send your best advice and a head shot to [email protected].