Currently, my twins Gavin and Gianna are one year old. Gianna started walking at 10 months. Gavin is still working on it. He will stand for a few seconds and then he will sit down slowly. I’m proud of both of my children and I’m so glad that Gavin isn’t aware enough to be discouraged because he is not walking like his sister. I know the day will come when my children start comparing themselves to each other and try to turn everything into a competition. However, I am enjoying watching both of them grow at their own pace.

I am reminded of the many times I have heard my students tell me, “I’m just not smart.” Many times when students say this, they are saying it because they are comparing themselves to their fellow students. It is true that there are students who grasp information faster than others. But this applies to many other areas in life. There are certain people who can simply pick up an instrument and play without even learning how to read music. That’s a gift. Other people like myself are going to have to learn how to read music and go through the many steps it takes in order to learn how to play. The fact that there are naturally gifted musicians out there who are way ahead of me does not prevent me from putting forth the effort to learn. It should not stop you as a student from giving your very best effort to learn new information no matter how long it takes. Your teachers are very patient and they’re willing to work with you in order to make sure that you have a strong understanding of the material. Do not let comparisons stop you from being all that you can be. Remember: failure only happens when you quit.

Marvin Byrd (c/98)

It Can Be Done