First, communication is a key in dealing with others and both words and silence can be powerful. Saying the wrong thing can leave wounds that last a lifetime, but silence can cut people off and leave them out of the loop, he said. Words will either humanize you or dehumanize you. People shouldn't be predictable, he said. Deal with folks in different ways.
Respect is another key in dealing with people.
Those teachers who respect their students will make a greater impact in their lives. Gaston encouraged the audience to learn about others' cultures and environments, to try to understand where they are coming from and what causes them to act the way they do. Those who attended the conference have a responsibility to return to their communities and use what they learned to make a difference, he said.