On my way home from the Keystone Reading Association Conference in Hershey, Pennsylvania, my flight was delayed because of fog. When I heard we had a 30-minute delay, my initial response was disappointment mixed with relief that I didn't have to worry about a connecting flight. However, those around me had feelings that were a bit stronger:

"This is ridiculous! I have places to be!"
"Here we go again . . . The airline couldn't care less that I have a deadline to make."
"So this ruins my whole day!"

The attendant and pilot kept us updated every 10 to 15 minutes, added a sincere apology with each announcement, and tended to disgruntled customers in between. The woman next to me started a conversation about how we should go up and demand travel vouchers for the inconvenience. A gentleman in the group very respectfully interjected that he was thankful for the delay. He said he felt fortunate to live in a day and age where they have the technology to know flying conditions and keep passengers safe. He explained, "Do you want them flying with less than a quarter mile visibility? I don't."

It was his attitude and courage to speak up that created a ripple effect in the crowd and silenced grumbles.

This made me think of the quote by Tom Stoppard, "A healthy attitude is contagious but don't wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier." This applies in our daily lives.

Regardless of the role we play—teacher, parent, colleague, leader, or learner—our attitude influences others. Let's make a concerted effort to use the opportunities to be carriers of kindness, thoughtfulness, and respect, so our ripple effect is a positive one. 

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