April 29th, 2017

Everyone loves a good story or so the story goes.
A tale I tell students each year is the story from my 7th grade. Since I teach middle school this gives a bit of relevancy to the subject and age.
One day, several friends and I were shooting basketball during P.E. class. It was outside during a hot, Florida September day. The conditions were not ideal, the basket seemed 13 foot high, the backboard was crooked, the net was torn, the asphalt we were playing on seemed like it was left over from a construction site. We had excused our shortcomings to our circumstances as we created in our mind viable excuses for our lack of skill and ability to make shots that day.  After what seemed like hours of futility our coach, Mr. Rick Hunsucker,c came over. We complained about the situation that day and he looked at us and shot out a laser beam of wisdom that I have never forgot, “A good athlete adjusts.” Even in my immaturity that day,  I realized the significance of his comment and as the years have passed it has encompassed more than just sports, but every facet of my life.  When I am down and feel like complaining or making an excuse for something that is amiss whether personally or professionally, I remember his words. Funny thing is that everyone who was there remembers it like it was yesterday as well. It was truly a moment that remains like a movie in my mind.
I tell this story when I try to send a message about significant moments in a student’s life and how they recall them. The assignment I then give them is to present in a digital format of their choice, a life moment that has impacted them at this point in their life.  The students really seem to enjoy this assignment and perhaps better yet, love to share with their classmates.

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