On Friday I had the distinct privilege to speak to the high school students at Norbel School during their career day. Norbel for those who aren’t aware, is a private, non-profit school serving children in grades 1-12 with average to gifted intelligence. Some have speech and language disabilities while others are challenged by specific learning differences. In some cases disorders stem from autism.
The theme of my presentation centered upon the pursuit of dreams and attacking life with passion. I encouraged the kids to take their education seriously and to enjoy their days at Norbel. I reminded them that education provides career options but when they finish school and choose a career path choose one that you love so much that you’d do it for free.
Combining talent with passion is a recipe for success. We’ve heard it before that excellence is not a skill. It is an attitude and what better way to have the right attitude than to pursue something that you love?
Naturally with the pursuit of excellence there are obstacles that stand in the way. These obstacles are wide ranging because we are all not built the same. Norbel recognizes this and as a result they advance their students in less traditional ways as they prepare them to tackle life’s challenges.
One of the students asked what I would recommend to someone who lacks the confidence to pursue their dreams.
In an instant, thoughts raced through my mind during my momentary pause. I thought of this special school, its special students and this young man whose eyes told me that he really needed the right answer. And then for some inexplicable reason I thought of John Harbaugh and his own set of obstacles that he faced entering the 2008 season.
That pause hung like an eternity!
We’ve all had experiences when a split second played out like slow motion in our minds only.
This was one of those moments for me.
I eventually responded to the boy and encouraged him to set achievable goals – to take baby steps. I asked him to envision his goal at the top of a ladder and to get there he needed to attack the ladder one rung at a time. Perhaps early on he should take his time with that first rung and with newfound confidence, attack the second and third and so forth. Soon, those baby steps graduate to leaps and bounds and before long soaring confidence and esteem combine to bring achievement within reach.
This morning I awoke with that boy on my mind again. I hope that in a small way I reached him. I hope he finds the courage to take on that first rung and ultimately his goal, his dream.
My goal yesterday was to inspire and hopefully make a difference in the life of one child. It remains to be seen if I was successful.
I can tell you that even if I didn’t inspire I was inspired. These children with their interest, attentiveness and questions managed to inspire and challenge me. They forced me to reflect upon other things and events that emotionally moved me and touched my soul. One such event was Jimmy Valvano’s speech during the 1993 ESPY Awards (video below). Take 11 minutes and watch Jimmy and absorb his message. It will resonate with you forever just as yesterday afternoon will for me.
I want to thank Krys Renzi, Krystal Henderson, Sharon DellaRose and the entire staff of Norbel for inviting me into their unique and beautiful world of learning. Your credo, “Educating for a difference” couldn’t be more appropriate or true. Your students are fortunate to have you and all of us will be fortunate when you unleash those graduating students upon the world.
I know. I am speaking from experience.
