My Motivation/My Story
I often get the following question from my family and friends: “Why do you push so hard?” “What do you have to prove?” This is a story that I have kept to myself and close family members and for good reason, it was my personal experience as a 6th grader growing up. I think this is a good story to share with the world today. Note: I am not going to name names ect…
In 6th grade, I was a normal American boy with so many dreams, one could not count on their fingers. I loved sports, I loved life, and I was extremely active. I told a few whoppers, got my butt beat with a wooden spoon from my mother and a few spankings from my father. My mind was overactive, I was hyper, and I couldn’t sit still for any length of time. I was always on the move especially in my early days on earth. This got me into trouble on more than one encounter.
About my second month in 6th grade my teacher stated something that forever was planted into my brain. She said the following: “You are not going to amount to anything in life, you are stupid.” Although she didn’t say much more to me that school year, my heart and soul seemed to be destroyed by all accounts. My grades slipped, I even received an “F” in Science the second term. My parents were extremely disappointed in me that year. It would take a few years before I finally told them what my 6th grade teacher did that year.
You see I could have folded right there and went down the path of destruction, but I didn’t. My grades were ok from then on out, but not extraordinary like they could have been. Later in life I had my first child Chelsey. She inspired me to do more in life. Then I married Stephanie, my soulmate and she inspired me even more. Then two more wonderful additions to my life; Peyton and Katarina. I was successful in the business world, I was a whole picture type of person and could see what needed done to increase productivity. I excelled. After nearly 10 years in the manufacturing sector I decided to give back and become a teacher/coach and change the world.
While in my last year of my undergraduate program we had Katarina. At this point I wanted more, I wanted to be the best teacher/coach on the planet, and again I pushed hard. After a few years I went on to get two Master’s Degrees. One in Secondary Education and another in Educational Leadership. Both of these degrees I attained a 3.9 GPA. I always had those devastating words in the back of my mind the whole way: “You are not going to amount to anything in life, you are stupid.”
I then went on to try for a PhD in Educational Leadership. Although I decided to get my Specialist Degree later on. I again had these words engrained in my Psyche throughout: “You are not going to amount to anything in life, you are stupid.” Again, I am working hard to create something in life that will change the world Coaching Culture in Athletics (CCA). I will never give in, I am here to change the culture in the world one soul at a time.
Remember; teachers, coaches, administrators, and parents it is our duty to change the lives of everyone around us. The words can cut like a knife. I was one of the lucky stories, I have made it much further than my 6th grade teacher though I would. Every child deserves our best effort. Today, at this point in my life, I forgive my 6th grade teacher, for without those words so many years ago, I may or may not have become the man I am today.
God Bless you all!
Chuck
Coaching Culture In Athletics 