I have a poster just as students walk into my office that reads, "The expert in anything was once a beginner." Neil Armstrong did not wake up one morning and walk on the moon. Steve Jobs didn't create Apple Computer without first working through some cores. Thomas Edison famously declared that he never failed in creating the light bulb; he succeeded in finding many, many ways NOT to create the light bulb. I just met with my reporting class and told them I do not expect them to come out of my class as the greatest journalist the world has ever seen. I don't expect them to be Diane Sawyer, Tom Brokaw or Al Michaels right out of the gate. I DO expect them to put in the time necessary to perfect the craft of reporting. I like to say I'll take effort over ability 24-7, 365. I can teach them how to perform the art, so to speak, but I cannot make them pick up the brush.
So as we begin a new semester full of possibilities, dreams and challenges, I am excited to see which of my students step up to the challenge. Which ones want to be great? Which are willing to go the extra mile to perfect their craft and make a difference in this world?
As I sign off, I leave you with a quote from a book of motivational sayings left to me by my father:
"Potential is one of life's greatest gifts -- don't waste it.
