Hard Work, Challenges, More Hard Work...Success!

Two messages in one day!
It's often evident that young people (and sometimes not-so-young) tend to have a sense of entitlement. The world "owes" them something, just because of some circumstance--like breathing? I find it infuriating.

I understand how Life can be unfair or cruel. I've been looked down on, and not just because I'm short. My mother taught me that I would have to work harder and be better, just to be considered "equal". Life isn't always fair, parents tell their kids. Deal with it, work harder, be better than the other guy.

I'm sure you've heard much the same thing. So has our new President. Was his a charmed life? No. Barack Obama's childhood and youth has been publicly documented. He had his problems, too. He worked harder, didn't give up, and has been more successful in the public area than anyone. Imagine being the first African-American President!

Obviously, President Obama is not alone. There are many inventors, pioneers, politicians, clergy, teachers, writers, actors, musicians,artists, explorers, and more who have struggled, endeavored and accomplished things that have become part of American (or world) culture. I want my students to learn from their experiences, just as we want our children to learn from our own.

While I am also still doing ACCESS testing (till nearly the end of February), I am pulling my students as often as possible, and have given them a long-term assignment. This assignment will be a MAJOR part of this marking period's grade. Briefly, this is a reading and research project, which will be due in late February.

Students have chosen a history-making African-American's biography to read at home. They will be making notes of key events, words, struggles, and achievements, and I will be guiding them (during class) in composing a timeline for the person's life. My goal is to enable the students to understand that success is not without personal effort and hard work.

Thank you in advance for encouraging your student to continue to work, not only in school, but also in pursuit of thier personal interests. Through our efforts and their own, we will raise a generation of appreciative, conscientious, successful young people and adults!