The Starfish Story: A Lesson I’ll Never Forget

The story I am about to share is one you may have heard at some point in your life. There have been many additions and rewrites to the story, but I will put in the original since it has all the main points of today’s blog. After reading the story, I will talk about its positive impact on my life and how I applied this small and seemingly inconsequential lesson to my daily teachings.

I first heard this story at my college graduation. I was sitting in the section with my classmates and the rest of the graduating class of 2011. A man whom I cannot recall his name shared a version of this story with everyone. I was in a crowd full of people, but I felt he was speaking only to me when he said this story had a huge positive impact on me. Loren Eiseley writes the story below:

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up, and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said….” I made a difference for that one.”

A Moment of Purpose at My College Graduation

When he was done sharing this short story, he told us that we have to be the difference. He said no matter how big or small you think it is, to continue and strive to want to make a difference. His words touched my soul and filled me with a newfound purpose. I knew I was going to make a difference in the world. The only thing I didn’t realize was how much positive impact I would have on the planet. Looking back at my teaching career now, I can see the enormous teaching impact I have made on the students and people I had the privilege to teach. Now, I will share one of the many stories of my teaching career that are closely related to this blog.

Teaching the Timid Boy: A Turning Point in My Career

The story is about a boy who was three years old and had not yet learned how to swim. He was a very timid child, and it took a particular approach even to get him in the water. We shared a bond of trust as we worked on his courage, confidence, and swimming. I was always there for him and never lied or tried to trick him. Eventually, after many lessons prepping him for the day, I got him to swim. The mom and I were happy with the boy’s effort, but I knew this was just the start, and I knew he had so much more to grow. We continued to practice and progress with each lesson until the day I knew he was strong enough to swim across the pool. I had been teaching for a while, so I knew all the signs of a strong and weak swimmer, and he was now a strong swimmer in my book.

From Doubt to Confidence: Helping Students Overcome Self-Limiting Beliefs

I told him that I wanted him to swim across the pool, and our dialogue went like this:

Boy: NO, are you crazy! I can’t do that!

Me: Who told you that you couldn’t do it?

The boy thinking up an excuse

Boy: Me, I can’t do that.

I turned my student to face me, I looked into his eyes, and I told him,

Me: Don’t you EVER let anyone tell you that you cannot do something, even yourself.

The boy started to think, and something seemed to have clicked in his head. I immediately witnessed his demeanor change after saying that to him. He was no longer that timid boy who got in the water the first day. He was now a brave, confident, and unstoppable boy that had 100% of my support. He did in that very same lesson of him, saying he could not swim across the pool. He worked hard to make it happen, and his mother and I were very proud of him. He pushed through the obstacles he created for himself.

Lessons Learned as a Swim Instructor: Growth and Reflection

This story is back when I was a private swim instructor during my college days. I had the job for many years, and looking back now, I can remember in the beginning how bad I was at teaching and how much I have grown. I knew how to swim well and relay information, but I did not realize balance. If I had a student who could swim well, I would run them into the ground until they had no more energy. They were exhausted! I found out later that they were not having any fun with the learning process and would not look forward to the lessons. I had to learn and teach myself how to simultaneously make my lessons fun and challenging. Once that was accomplished, I made my lessons about finding each student’s true potential. I wanted my “be the difference” to be that whenever they faced any future challenges or obstacles, they knew they had the potential to get through.

I tell this story because someone was a naysayer, like a starfish parable, and said it could not be done. The boy in the starfish story showed this older man that he could be the difference no matter how small. That is why I love teaching! I recall going to the schools daily and positively impacting my students’ lives. Whether swimming, the arts, or any core subject, I wanted to give all I had to the students. I would always give 100% because I felt that I was not fulfilling my obligations as their teacher if I didn’t do that. I continue to strive to accomplish my goal of helping as many people in my life to the best of my abilities.

Small Acts, Big Impact: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

In closing, it doesn’t matter what you do in life if you aim be the difference. Even small acts can mean the most to someone else. Holding the door for someone or even paying for a cup of coffee for the person behind us can have one of the most profound effects. This is true in our lives and with everyone around us. As you know, our tomorrow is never promised. The differences you make in this world will live on forever. The lessons you teach and the effort you give will become your legacy. It starts with being the change you want to see in the world.

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts