In our society many people aspire to become a professional athlete, singer,
actress or actor. Can you blame them? TV shows like American Idol, America's
Next Top Model, give hope to the average person that they too might one day be
discovered and receive their big break. Professional athletes are admired and
respected and envied for not only their fame but also the huge salaries that
they make for practicing their craft. As a society we value many such
professions over those involving education.
I received an e-mail this week that gave me true pause and a time for
reflection.
Charles Schultz
Philosophy
The following is the
philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You
don't have to actually answer the questions.
1.
Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2.
Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3.
Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.
4.
Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5.
Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6.
Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.
How
did you do?
The
point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no
second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause
dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates
are buried with their owners .
Here's
an other quiz. See how you do on this one:
1.
List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2.
Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3.
Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4.
Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5.
Think of five people you enjoy spending time with
Easier?
The
lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with
the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones
that care .
"Don't
worry about the world coming to an end today.
It's
already tomorrow in Australia"
(Charles
Schultz)
I
hope that you will take a moment to reflect on what is important, who is
important, and take the time to invest in your child's education and academic
future. Show them by your enthusiasm, by your interest, by your desire to help
them master the basics that you value education in their lives. It is the
power to future success!
I care about my students and my desire is to make a real impact in their
lives. I want to build up their self-esteem, help them to develop personal
responsibility, to grow and mature into responsible citiizens who know they
will make mistakes and that it is ok to do so. I want them to look back and
remember that I not only cared but also believed in them!
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