Will They See What I See? (CtbG Y4:E13)

~ Angelo DelliSanti

I can still remember the first time a teacher spoke life into me. It was during 7th grade, my first year of middle school, and my parents were in the beginning stages of what I would call a bitter divorce.

About halfway through the year, I received a card from Ms. Graves, my English teacher. She always seemed to see the best in me, even when I didn’t believe it about myself and, maybe more importantly, when I needed it most. I wish I still had the card or could remember most of what it said. The opening line went something like, “I’ve been meaning to share this with you for a long time now…” The words that followed may be the most meaningful affirmation of my character and goodness that I’ve ever received in my life. She saw things in me I didn’t see in myself, and I will forever be indebted to her vision of what my life could be. My only hope is that I’ve built a life that’s somewhat worthy of the vision she gave me.

Last week, I had the opportunity to be in Kansas City for a Capturing Kids’ Hearts training that included some of the top teachers in the state. At the end of the day, one of the regional Teachers of the Year, Susan, shared something profoundly important to her as she talked about one of her current students. Tears flowed as she spoke of her love for him and the potential she sees for his life, but she also worried about how he was doing while she was out. Regarding her substitute, she wondered, “Will they see what I see in him?”

My heart flooded with emotion, bringing me right back to the letter I’d received in 7th grade, but also to the many other times I’ve seen leaders see and choose to believe the very best in others. What a gift it is to see others become the best versions of themselves simply because someone else saw the best inside them.

So here’s the invitation for all of us today: Be the person who sees what others cannot yet see in themselves. Somewhere near you is a student, a colleague, a child, or a friend quietly waiting for someone to name the goodness, strength, and possibility already inside them. When you choose to speak that vision out loud, you do more than encourage them. You help shape the story they begin to believe about their own life. Sometimes, that story changes everything.

Choose to be great by seeing greatness in others.

#ChooseToBeGreat

Angelo

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Published by Angelo DelliSanti

“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career. Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018. In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017. Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.

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