I am rubber...

Never let it be said that we should, “Grow Up”.  Some of the best things in life, I learned on the playground when I was a kid.  We all remember the playground. Every now and then, it was rough out there emotionally because kids can be mean. With my last name, I learned to roll with the chatter of those that tried to be creative.  Some days it wasn’t good enough to “keep to yourself” or “turn the other cheek”. Those days you needed to be armed with something greater like, “I am rubber, you are glue…”.  You all remember it and it was motivating. In life, we often face criticism and negativity from those around us. These words have the potential to shape our self-perception, limit our potential, and impede our progress. However, we possess an incredible ability to deflect the impact of these words and turn them into catalysts for growth. Just as rubber bounces back when struck, we too can rebound from the words thrown at us. By internalizing the truth that we are not defined by the opinions of others, we build an unbreakable shield against negativity. "I am rubber" signifies our resilience and ability to withstand the impact of hurtful words. It speaks to our capacity to bounce back from adversity, to spring forward with renewed determination. We must believe in our inherent worth and recognize that our potential is not determined by the limitations others impose upon us. Through self-belief and a steadfast mindset, we can defy expectations, shatter barriers, and achieve what once seemed impossible. Rather than internalizing their words, we can choose to let them bounce off us. In doing so, we diminish their power and allow their negativity to remain with its source. "Whatever you say, bounces off me and sticks to you" serves as a reminder that we have the power to transform criticism into motivation. Rather than being burdened by hurtful comments, we can use them as fuel to ignite our inner fire. Each negative word can be channeled into an opportunity for growth and self-improvement. By focusing on our goals and aspirations, we can leverage the negative energy and turn it into positive momentum. Remember, the path to success is not without its share of challenges and naysayers. Nobody ‘makes it’ without having a few arrows pointed in their general direction. The key lies in cultivating resilience and using it to our advantage. The power to deflect negativity lies within each of us. By embodying the essence of the phrase "I am rubber, you are glue, whatever you say, bounces off me and sticks to you," we harness our resilience, transcend limitations, and transform words into triumph. Let us embrace our inner strength, rise above adversity, and emerge as the architects of our destiny. May all of us remember the simplicity of our childhood and when you need to use it, just say it to yourself with a smile, “I am rubber…”  Have a wonderful restful weekend. Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Hall of Fame — The Script). 

Until next time...

Everybody is a genius

As an educator, I am often reminded how important it is to remember that every student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. One of the biggest mistakes we can make is to judge students based on a narrow set of abilities or skills, ignoring their potential in other areas. Albert Einstein once said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." This quote perfectly encapsulates the danger of labeling and limiting students based on arbitrary measures of success. In our education system, we often place a heavy emphasis on certain subjects, such as Math and English, and prioritize the skills required to excel in those areas. However, this narrow focus ignores the fact that students have diverse talents and abilities that should be celebrated and nurtured. For example, a student who struggles with math may excel in the arts or have a natural talent for writing. By solely focusing on their shortcomings in one area, we risk limiting their potential and stifling their creativity. That is why it is crucial for all of us to adopt a growth mindset and encourage students to do the same. Instead of simply evaluating students based on their current abilities, we should be emphasizing the importance of effort and growth. We should be teaching our students that their abilities are not fixed, and that with hard work and determination, they can improve and excel in any area they choose. One way to foster a growth mindset is to focus on individual progress and development, rather than comparing students to each other. By setting achievable goals and celebrating progress, we can help our students build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. Another important aspect of this approach is providing opportunities for students to explore their passions and interests. By allowing students to pursue their own areas of curiosity, we can help them discover their unique strengths and develop a sense of purpose. Incorporating project-based learning and inquiry-based approaches can also help students develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and encourage creativity and critical thinking. By giving students the opportunity to apply what they are learning in a hands-on way, we can help them see the relevance and value of their education. When we provide a variety of learning opportunities and resources, we can help each student reach their full potential. All of this is important but most important is that we must remember that every student learns in their own way and at their own pace. It is our responsibility to recognize and celebrate the unique talents and abilities of each of our students. As Einstein reminds us, "Everybody is a genius." Therefore, it is up to us as educators to help our students discover and unleash their own genius.  Have a wonderful restful weekend. Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Don’t Stop Believin’— Journey).

Until next time...