The following is Mr. Palmer's address to the middle school student body Thursday, January 20, 2011
Over the course of the three-day weekend we just enjoyed, I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things – play with my kids. In the past, this involved running around outside, riding bicycles, or going for a walk. However, I am now regularly challenged to some sort of video game, and I must admit that it usually becomes a humbling experience, to say the least!
Over the course of the three-day weekend we just enjoyed, I had the opportunity to do one of my favorite things – play with my kids. In the past, this involved running around outside, riding bicycles, or going for a walk. However, I am now regularly challenged to some sort of video game, and I must admit that it usually becomes a humbling experience, to say the least!
Monday, my six-year-old son challenged me to a game of Mario Cart on his new DSI game system. As I watched him play, I became convinced that, with my twenty-five years of driving experience, I would show him the ropes when it came my turn. I was wrong.
No sooner did I begin a race than I was blown off the track by everyone – including Donky Kong! Just when I thought I was getting ahead, some little ghost-looking critter floated above my windshield and promptly covered it with oil, almost completely blocking my view of the track. The next thing I knew, I was crossing the finish line in 8th place.
I finally won ONE race, but I wondered if that was just a fluke. I also discovered just how challenging the “rainbow run” can be!
However, the more I played (yes, I did enjoy it and I couldn’t put it down!), the better I got. Before I knew it, I was handling that little cart like a real pro (or at least I thought so!).
You see, what seems like a daunting task is doable if you stick with it. I’ve heard it said that you must be bad at something before you can be good at it, and I have found that to be true throughout my life. I’ve also heard a great term for the attitude of perseverance – “sticktoitiveness.” Sticktoitiveness is simply the art of staying with something until you are good at it. It could be mastering a musical instrument, playing a sport, or improving your basic math skills – anything that takes consistent, hard work.
As we continue through this semester, I invite you to take a lesson from me and keep after that thing that is giving you trouble. Apply some “sticktoitiveness.” Like me, you might just get your game on yet!
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