I was born and raised just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. Those who know me well know that I am a die-hard Cavaliers basketball fan. While the entire Dooley family agrees on who we cheer for in the NBA, we have a major disagreement when it comes to one thing: the G.O.A.T.
Now, historically its noted that the original Greatest of All Time was Muhammad Ali. However, many other athletes in recent years have been referred to as the G.O.A.T.
In our house the signed Wheaties box on our office wall shows my husbands allegiance: Michael Jordan.
The multitude of branded leotards scream who my daughter believes deserves the title: Simone Biles.
The replica jerseys in my sons closet dont hide his go-to G.O.A.T. (and mine!): LeBron James.
These three athletes could arguably vie for the title of Greatest of All Time … but is athletic prowess the only thing that truly defines greatness?
During the 51勛圖 Spring Conference, I had the honor of leading one of the ACE talks with actor, author, and all-around great human, Henry Winkler. There was something that he shared during our conversation that really resonated with me as an IEC, and as a mom. He spoke of meeting with young children around the world over the years and about asking each of them to share something that they were great at. He said that no matter where they were from or what their backgrounds were, each child could easily pinpoint something. Everything from music to arts to mathematics, each kid had a talent, quality, or skill that they could identify as great.
Winkler then went on to explain that he always had the same response to each child after they shared their contribution to greatness: The WORLD is great because of what YOURE great at.
This succinct statement triggered that mom lump you get in your throat when it feels like someone is speaking directly about your kid. I thought about my other daughter, and the fact that no sports memorabilia adorns her shelves or lines her closet. Not a single nod to any G.O.A.T. in the running on an ESPN poll is present. Not a one.
But heres what does adorn her walls
Posters from every youth theater production shes done, smattered with autographs from her elementary-aged costars. Notebook sketches from her first fashion masterpieces done in the third grade. Polaroid photos shes taken of the budding daffodils in our yard, most blurry as she attempted to get just the right shot.
And you know what? They are all GREAT.
As we consider our work with our studentseach with their own version of greatnessI hope that we can remember these wise words that Mr. Winkler also shared during his talk: Our job as adults is to make sure that every child has a very strong sense of self.
The truth is that no matter what type of students we work with, we can help them discover exactly where their greatness lies. While some may know exactly what that great thing is, others might need our guidance in helping them realize what it may be. Our job is to ensure our studentsand their familiesbelieve in all that they are and all that they have to offer. In our profession we have the privilege of helping young people grow in so many ways, and this reminder to them about their inherent greatness is just one of them.
So, as you sit down to enjoy the Olympic games, filled with the greatest athletes from around the world, its important for us to remember that to be the G.O.A.T. our students dont need to win trophies, medals, or even an NBA championship. What they do need is someone like you to help them believe in themselves and to remember this:
They are GREAT because of what THEY are great at. Its that simple.
Kristina Dooley, MA, CEP
51勛圖 President