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Thursday, August 28, 2008

History!

I just finished watching Barack Obama accept the nomination of the Democratic Party as their candidate for President. I'm watching him and his wife and Joe Biden and his wife and I feel like there is a chance for this country to regain its position as a true world leader.

Intelligence. Dignity. Passion. And, dare I say it, the ability to speak in a way that can inspire Americans to take up the challenge of making the country great again. I never again want to be embarrassed by the arrogance and intractability of an administration that believes we should be the world's policemen. How wonderful to have a chance to vote for such leadership!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Think before you make fun of that weird kid...

You know that gangly kid in third grade? The one with big ears who couldn't sit still and had a bit of a speech impediment? If you were one of the ones who made fun of him, prepare to be somewhat abashed.

He now owns over a dozen Olympic gold medals.

Michael Phelps's story is a great testament to hard work and perseverance, but it's also a tale of overcoming childhood rejections and loneliness. His mother, a great story in her own right, told of how Michael was an outcast among his peers because of his somewhat odd appearance and hyperactivity. I wonder how those classmates feel today.

As a teacher, it breaks my heart to see kids who don't fit in. I could tell them that high school isn't the be all and end all, but they wouldn't believe me. While it's happening, it DOES seem like the end of the world. As a parent, I tried very hard to make my kids understand that all people are gifted in their own way and that we might not readily see those gifts in themselves and others.

Phelps was determined to achieve, despite (or perhaps because of) his being "different" from his peers. But it isn't revenge - it's just determination!

Let's try to remember that we see that goofy kid who isn't "cool."