The choice is ours!

Last night at UNT I had a heart-to-heart monologue with my students. I apologized stating I was about to begin a monologue since it was a change in my engaging and interactive behavior.


I admitted I was bummed. I had emails from 2 students stating they were missing their third class. I agonized all day wondering what to do since it meant they would fail the course. I did not want them to fail. I had done every thing I knew how to set up the students for success. I spoke to the Director. She said it was my choice.


As I spoke to the students, looking them in the eyes, I said it was their choice to go for excellence as several had or to show up as several had and be okay with mediocrity.The choice was theirs. Actions had consequences. And if life plays favorites perhaps it was because some people chose excellence while others chose getting by.


I ended with the choice is ours.


And then we had 2 inspirational presentations by the students and once again I was inspired with tears of joy.


My point, all we can do is our best and do all we can to inspire -- the rest lies with them.