I have heard this story numerous times, but it was still a delight to hear it again from my good friend Ellie Mooney who sent it to me with beautiful pictures.
http://www.doyoubelieve.org/Butterfly.htm
It is often a challenge to know when to step in to help and when it is better to stand on the sidelines being a cheerleader. I imagine that it would behoove us to do the latter more often.
Showing posts with label obstacles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obstacles. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Becoming Stronger
Translation: That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger. This is a saying that Ross Jones, the former Headmaster at Realms of Inquiry, used all the time. It's a great reminder to use all our frustrations, setbacks, obstacles, etc. to make us stronger as Esperanza people and as a school.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Personal Factors--Message from Jaime Escalante
Jamie Escalante, the incredible math teacher who inspired the movie Stand and Deliver: "Children of the barrio have enormous obstacles to overcome to get an education...Minority students may be affected by these barriers, but they are not victims of them. Students can learn to overcome any barrier they will every face."
Jaime Escalante's wisdom is a great introduction to the personal factors that we'll address for the next couple of weeks.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Take Aways from Steve Jobs
Today many people throughout the world are mourning the death of Steve Jobs, a visionary man who changed the world. Last night a TV program that did a segment on his life played a segment of his Commencement Address at Stanford on July 12, 2005. I was so touched by his words I "googled" the address this morning so I could read the whole address which can be found at http://news.stanford/edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
There are three take-aways from his speech that I feel we will want to consider for our Esperanza scholars:
Take away #1: The classes Jobs took in college that he wanted to take rather than the ones he was required to take had a tremendous influence on what he was able to accomplish in his life. Therefore, we will want to provide opportunities for our Esperanza scholars to learn more about their interests.
Take away #2: Jobs was fired from the company--Apple--that he started. Although this was extemely painful for him, he stayed true to the work that he loved. We want our Esperanza scholars (and educators!) to understand that pursuing that which they love does not come without a price and there will be obstacles. Yet, if they work through the obstacles and overcome "failures"--possibly having to take another route to reach their dreams--they will probably accomplish more than they would have otherwise.
Take away #3: After receiving word that he had pancreatic cancer, Jobs realized in a more real way that our time on earth is limited. Therefore, it is not wise to allow the opinions of others to drown out one's inner voice to become what each person already knows what he truly wants to become. It is important for us to help each Esperanza scholars (and educator!) to become what his/her heart is saying rather than striving to make all of them the same.
In closing Jobs told about the need to "Stay hungry, Stay foolish." May we help everyone at Esperanza to live this counsel.
There are three take-aways from his speech that I feel we will want to consider for our Esperanza scholars:
Take away #1: The classes Jobs took in college that he wanted to take rather than the ones he was required to take had a tremendous influence on what he was able to accomplish in his life. Therefore, we will want to provide opportunities for our Esperanza scholars to learn more about their interests.
Take away #2: Jobs was fired from the company--Apple--that he started. Although this was extemely painful for him, he stayed true to the work that he loved. We want our Esperanza scholars (and educators!) to understand that pursuing that which they love does not come without a price and there will be obstacles. Yet, if they work through the obstacles and overcome "failures"--possibly having to take another route to reach their dreams--they will probably accomplish more than they would have otherwise.
Take away #3: After receiving word that he had pancreatic cancer, Jobs realized in a more real way that our time on earth is limited. Therefore, it is not wise to allow the opinions of others to drown out one's inner voice to become what each person already knows what he truly wants to become. It is important for us to help each Esperanza scholars (and educator!) to become what his/her heart is saying rather than striving to make all of them the same.
In closing Jobs told about the need to "Stay hungry, Stay foolish." May we help everyone at Esperanza to live this counsel.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Act Well Thy Part
This morning I listened to a BYU Devotional speech Sharon Samuelson gave on January 5, 2010. In her speech she cited the following scripture from the Bible: Revelation 3:8: “I know thy works; behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength….
As I look over the years it becomes obvious that many doors have been opened in order to design a school such as Esperanza. In spite of obstacles, no man (or woman) can permanently shut those doors.
Sister Samuelson also related in her speech an inspiring story concerning the former President of the LDS Church, David O. McKay. On his mission in Scotland David O. McKay had an experience that gave him the motto which he used his entire life. After he and his companion returned from visiting Stirling Castle, they passed a building where the stone above the door had a carved inscription: "What-e'er thou art, act well thy part." This message struck David O. McKay forcefully, and he decided to devote himself completely to always doing his best in whatever responsibility he had.
As all of us associated with Esperanza devote ourselves to acting well our part wherever we may be at each point in time, especially these next two years before opening Esperanza the fall of 2013, doors will continue to open for us to create a school that will have a profound impact on our future Esperanza scholars and their families.
As I look over the years it becomes obvious that many doors have been opened in order to design a school such as Esperanza. In spite of obstacles, no man (or woman) can permanently shut those doors.
Sister Samuelson also related in her speech an inspiring story concerning the former President of the LDS Church, David O. McKay. On his mission in Scotland David O. McKay had an experience that gave him the motto which he used his entire life. After he and his companion returned from visiting Stirling Castle, they passed a building where the stone above the door had a carved inscription: "What-e'er thou art, act well thy part." This message struck David O. McKay forcefully, and he decided to devote himself completely to always doing his best in whatever responsibility he had.
As all of us associated with Esperanza devote ourselves to acting well our part wherever we may be at each point in time, especially these next two years before opening Esperanza the fall of 2013, doors will continue to open for us to create a school that will have a profound impact on our future Esperanza scholars and their families.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Joy of Founding Esperanza Elementary
One of the greatest joys of founding a charter school is that you are able to take everything you have learned over the years through both theory and practice that makes a difference for children...and design a school of your dreams. The joy that comes from this commitment helps to overcome all obstacles and setbacks.
Founding Esperanza Elementary has been an incredible journey, and we have only written and submitted the application thus far. We are patiently (or impatiently) awaiting our approval. To actually see in reality what we have envisioned will make it all worthwhile.
Founding Esperanza Elementary has been an incredible journey, and we have only written and submitted the application thus far. We are patiently (or impatiently) awaiting our approval. To actually see in reality what we have envisioned will make it all worthwhile.
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