The COVID Tradition That Stuck

In March of 2020, we sent our students home and never saw them again. I realized then that I needed a way to find closure—a way to let them know they weren’t just a row in a Zoom grid. So, I made a personalized video for every single student. What started as a pandemic necessity has become a seven-year tradition and, quite honestly, the most important thing I do every year.

The “Long Sprint” and Your Relational Bank Account

I know you’re exhausted. We are deep in the “Long Sprint,” and the finish line feels like a mirage. But here is the truth: Right now, you have more relational cachet with your students than you will ever have again. You have spent a year building a bridge of trust. You’ve banked “Relational Capital” through every lab, every conversation, and every JB Signature. Now is the time to spend that capital to speak life into their future.

The “Vision Video” Blueprint

Yes, this is a significant time commitment. It is a heavy lift at a time when you are already carrying a lot. But the ROI is eternal. Here is the workflow:

* The Mastery of the List: Use a physical list. Check off names as you go. Don’t skip anyone. Every child needs to be “seen” before they walk out your door.

* Beyond the Grade: This isn’t a recap of their GPA. It’s a casting of a vision. You are looking at the student they are today and telling them who you see them becoming tomorrow.

* The Universal Blessing: In my setting, this includes a prayer. In yours, it might be a “wish for the future.” Whatever the form, the intent is the same: A formal, human acknowledgment of their worth.

Does it actually work? Just ask Claudia.

I reached out to one of my former students, Claudia Moore, to ask if I could share her story. Her response tells you everything you need to know about why we do this:

“I have your video saved on my phone and I watch it every now and then when I need some extra encouragement. Your words were so kind and I think it would be so cool for other teachers to start doing it too!” — Claudia

Two Lives Changed: Samuel & Claudia

In this episode, I share the actual “Vision Videos” I sent to two of my students (with permission):

* Claudia: A high achiever who moved from “Achievement Mode” (checking boxes) to “Discovery Mode” (curiosity and heart).

* Samuel: The star of my recent keynote. I celebrate the Grit and “consistent obedience” that led to his 100% mastery.

Key Timestamps

* 00:00 — The “most important video” question

* 01:08 — The COVID-2020 origins of the tradition

* 01:46 — Why you have “Relational Cachet” right now

* 03:02 — Logistics: Why I still use a physical paper list

* 04:42 — Framing the “Blessing” and the Prayer angle

* 05:58 — Claudia’s Video: Achievement vs. Discovery

* 09:44 — Samuel’s Video: Grit and 100% Mastery

* 14:18 — The Eddie Anderson Legacy: Why I became a teacher

Socratic Challenge: I became a teacher because my chemistry teacher, Eddie Anderson, believed in me. Who was the teacher that “spoke life” into your context?

Know a teacher who needs a reminder of why we do this “hard thing”? Send them this post.

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