I guess this began as a reflection on the thousands of kids I met over many years of teaching…

…from the list of children…

 

< those who despite years of parental bubble-wrap will hurt themselves on sharp edges

 

< those who learn to use their smile as a self-serving weapon

 

< those who are never remembered or soon forgotten through their limited intelligence and dull compliance

 

< those who challenge too often, push envelopes, stress teachers and become great successes

 

< those with overbearing violent fathers who will be submissive for twenty years before unexpectedly murdering someone

 

< those passive resistors who expend more

energy avoiding work

than work itself

 

< those who decide their future aged five,

quietly and doggedly achieve it

 

< the child with uncontrollable rage who is patiently and firmly guided to succeed

 

< the child not remembered for brilliance or inspiration

who will one day change the world