What a Student’s Courage Taught Me About Confidence

One day after class, a student approached me. Let’s call him Jahkai. He hesitated before saying, “Miss Davis, can I tell you something?”

“Of course,” I said, curious. My students—my babies—know I have all the time in the world for them.

“I’ve been feeling really lost,” he admitted. “I was completely checked out for months—like I just couldn’t keep up, so I stopped trying. But when you told me I had great ideas in that group project, it made me think, maybe I can find my way back.”

Jahkai’s words stunned me. I had no idea that the small encouragement I’d offered during a routine group presentation had made such an impact.

From that point on, I noticed a shift in Jahkai. He wasn’t just showing up—he was engaged. He started asking questions, contributing to discussions, and even helping his classmates with assignments. It was as if he’d rediscovered a part of himself he’d forgotten.

Jahkai’s journey reminded me that confidence isn’t just about achievement; it’s deeply tied to identity and self-image. When someone feels disconnected from their own abilities, it’s easy to spiral into self-doubt. But a little belief—whether it comes from a teacher, a friend, or a coach—can serve as the catalyst for change.

This is where coaching becomes transformative. Unlike a passing moment of encouragement, coaching provides a space to explore who you are, identify the roadblocks holding you back, and rebuild self-belief step by step. It’s not just about academic or career goals—it’s about helping individuals reconnect with their potential and align their self-image with their true capabilities.

For Jahkai, that one moment of acknowledgment helped him start seeing himself differently. Through coaching, this process could have been amplified even further—helping him not only stay engaged in school but also develop the tools to navigate future challenges.

His story reminds me why I’m so passionate about the work I do. Confidence isn’t just about thriving in the moment—it’s about creating a strong foundation of self-belief that carries you through life. With the right support, anyone can move from feeling checked out to fully stepping into their potential.