Her Time to Shine

I know, it has been way too long since my last post. We have all thoroughly thawed from the Blizzard of '10 and the DC populations has been enjoying getting out. I almost high fived someone my run the other day because I was so happy to finally be outside again! Things are still going well here and busy as well. Although basketball season is now over, (we made it to the finals!) I now find myself sitting on the bleachers with lots of sunscreen and my bottle of water at track meets as I watch the kids run. As fun as I'm sure this sounds to you, I am so proud that I am here. One of the girls that I have been working with all year long who has struggled with self-confidence and insecurities which has led to multiple fights on the playground, made a bet with me that she would try out and make the track team. This alone was a major step for her as she does not believe she is good at anything and does not usually participate. The deal was if she made the team, I would come and watch. As you can see, here I sit in the baking sun on the bleachers watching this girl run her heart out. I stood there with the coaches as we watched her and when she took off we all said the same thing, "Wow. She can run. Did you know she was that fast?" Her coach then told me he would be putting her in other events from now on. This is her time to shine and she was radiant! And that's all my job is. I am not a miracle worker and I can't force these kids to do anything. However what i CAN do, is provide opportunities for these kids to shine and slowly uncover their strengths. Through all their challenges, they all have incredible abilities. I like the title of my newest book that I am reading and I think it sums up my job the best, Teaching Superman to Fly.