‘Spud, Playing Tall’ (Jerry Wachter - NBAE/Getty Images)

A “Think Thought” is a chance we have as a class to discuss and write our interpretation of a famous or profound quote. This weeks quote went something like this:

What lies behind you and what lies ahead of you is small in comparison to what lies within you.

As the conversation began, there were many comments about being able to change what has happened to you and not being able to predict what will happen to you so only worry about what is happening today. I drew their attention to the words, what lies within you. There was silence for a moment then the light began to shine in the eyes of these kids! (Ahhh, this is why I teach, to see the magic of the light in their eyes!) A couple of hands went up and the discussion turned to being able to choose WHO we are going to be and not letting circumstances dictate that for us. The students had begun to see that they were incharge of WHO and more important WHAT they were going to be!

Since we had this blog to write; we started to look at the examples in the sports world that prove the point that they had just made. Spud Webb, a short basketball player. Ronnie Brewer’s name came up, a second year man that wanted, really wanted, a starting position, so he did something about it. Lance Armstrong overcoming health problems. Andrei Kirilenko and his apparent change in attitude. Derrick Parr the speed skater. And our list could go on and on. The kids knew these people and what they had overcome! The kids are watching every action and taking in the stories!

I realized through this experience, that although there are some VERY poor role models for children in the sports world, there are some REALLY great role models too and the kids are watching and watching very closely! Thanks to those that realize the power of their influence and take their role seriously!