Underdogs

Last year I shared this message with you all during the NCAA tournament and I am doing it again this year. I know some of you think I refer to sports too often, but this week I can't help it. I look forward to March Madness all year and today a huge underdog ruined my bracket in the first round. Today, 13 seeded Moorehead St. upset Louisville handing the 4 seed a first round loss.This only happens if the players and coaches believe it can happen. When we talk about meeting our students where they are that includes believing in them. We must believe they can succeed and they need to know that we believe in them. It will not be easy to overcome the baggage many carry with them, but we need to convince them that they can overcome any obstacle if they believe in themselves. Take the time to build them up and to convince them that they can be the underdog that beats the odds. It is easy to coach a team loaded with talent, but any coach will tell you the most rewarding years are those that their team outperforms expectations and overcomes challenges. Take the time to "coach" them up and beat the expectations that were set this fall.

In the words of the late John Wooden "Acquire peace of mind by making the effort to become the best of which you are capable". This goes for you as a teacher, parent, spouse and person. It also is the message we should instill in our students.