Your Mind is your Biggest Opponent

A couple of weeks ago, I talked about Fabio and how he had been growing leaps and bounds. Well, he went in a downward spiral. He reverted back to not wanting to be in my class and tuning out. Today, he walked out of my class because, as I thought, he didn't want to be there. Later I learned that he went to the counselor to "cool" off. After talking to the counselor to understand what is going on with Fabio, I decided to write him a letter which his counselor will give to him.

Fabio-
With all that happened yesterday, I just wanted to get on the same page as you. I remember you saying that I did not want you in my class. I wanted to let you know that I believe the exact opposite. I love having you in my class because I remember the level of brilliance you are capable of. Remember that one week when you were begging to answer my questions? When you put your mind to it, you can be the top of your class. But that is the thing- you have to put your mind to it. My volleyball coach once told me that my mind is my biggest opponent. So I'm telling you now- your mind is your biggest opponent; don't let it overcome you. Don't let a bad grade or test bring you down. Don't let your mind tell you that you aren't capable, because you are. Don't let your negative thoughts rule you; remember the positives. Always.
You're probably thinking, "Ms. DK, this is all great, but how can I use it in school? In your class?" Here's how: remember when you were doing great in class, but totally bombed that test? What if we did quiz corrections? Don't let the bad score get to you because you can do these problems. Look at your mistakes and learn from them Take advantage of doing the quiz corrections. Take time to do your homework packet. By taking these steps, I know that you could have an A or B in my class- and I bet others too.
Fabio- you've got a good brain in your head. Don't let yourself focus on the negative. You are capable of so much. I wouldn't write this to you if I didn't fully believe that you are.

Ms. DK

P.S. Do the quiz corrections!! Really, man, I'm not trying to trick you. Do them. :)

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I don't think I have ever been so positive in my life! But I'm really excited to see how Fabio will grow. I don't want a bad test score to be a set back. Although he can cause a major distraction, I keep seeing the best in him because I have seen it before. I'm hoping that this letter will put him back on the upward climb.