i think i can i think i can i....hmm.

it's been a while. we went away for the weekend---which strangely, even after only 4 days of PT, felt very needed.

but here are some thoughts, some others' words about teaching, will power and the unsafe school conditions that so many of our nation's children face each day.

the first: a poem that was sent out by the assistant principal of the school i'll be at next year, welcoming us newcomers.  in my household growing up, we were never allowed to say "can't."  i certainly feel that the sentiment of that is noble and good and all those things-- that if you believe in something, it is much more of a possibility to happen than if you didn't really believe. but i also strongly feel that a healthy dose of cynicism and doubt is healthy, real, and equitable-- what i mean is that saying "i can i can i can" can get me to some point, but after that, in america and in the world at large, it really is up to the conditions i've been born into to see how closely that "i can" matches what i actually do....i don't think that a positive mindset can typically  transcend the many obstacles that our stratified society puts up against those whom it has neglected... anyway! here is the happy poem, a happy thought: 

The Man Who Thinks He Can

If you think you are beaten, you are;

If you think you dare not, you don’t.

If you’d like to win, but think you can’t,

It’s almost a cinch that you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;

For out in the world we find

Success being with a fellow’s will;

It’s all in the state of mind.

 

If you think you are outclassed, you are;

You’ve got to think high to rise.

You’ve got to be sure of yourself

Before you can ever win a prize.

Life battles don’t always go to the stronger and faster man;

But soon or late, the one who wins

Is the man who thinks he can.

-Walter Wintle

(What about the woman? Does the same hold for her?)

Thoughts? 

(I'll post some more tomorrow.. this is getting lengthier than I thought it would be. Preview: Harlem Children Zone's Geoffrey Canada on how unsafe America's schools are, and a bit about his personal expedition to change them).