"There is a brilliant child locked inside every student." Marva Collins

Educator Marva Collins born August 31, 1936
Educator Marva Collins born in Atmore, Alabama. She is famous for
applying classical education successfully with impoverished students,
many of whom had been wrongly labelled as 'learning-disabled' by
public schools.

She has written a number of manuals, books and motivational tracts
describing her history and methods, and currently has a web site
and public speaking service. She was most widely publicized in the 1981 biographical TV movie The Marva Collins Story starring Cicely Tyson and Morgan Freeman.

WHAT IF?
By Danette M. Reid 3/27/08

What if I told you that you could be a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or whatever you put your mind to?
You might say, who me? And I’d respond, yes you!
What if I told you that your future starts today?
Would you believe me or would you say, no way?

What if I told you that you could be the future Commander in Chief? Would you get excited or stare at me in disbelief?
What if I told you that only you can limit your dreams?
Would you believe me or would you think that I’m a bit extreme?

Well, guess what, it’s true!  You are special and we think the world of you. As mentors, teachers, and community leaders, we want what’s best for you but don’t forget that in order to achieve your dreams; you have to do your part too! You must work hard, get good grades, further your education, and adhere to the rules in order to guide you.

What rules you ask? Here’s a few:
1 - Act like a lady/gentleman at all times;
2 – Understand that going to class and doing your homework are minimum expectations;
3 – Always respect your caretakers, teachers, and mentors;
4 – Be the best you can be in all that you do; and last but not least,
5 – Don’t accept failure, it wasn’t meant for you!

Follow these rules and in time you’ll see that the goals you’ve set will become your reality. And when they do, make sure you take the time to help someone else, the way someone has helped you!
So go out there and be brilliant! We’re all rooting for you! 

©2008 Danette Michelle Reid. All rights reserved