I keep thinking about potential. Dictionary.com defines it
simply as “possible, as opposed to actual.” Possible, but not actual until some
action takes place.
I remember learning about potential energy as a kid. I would
visualize that someone took action and threw a ball toward the top of a hill.
The potential energy in that ball would be represented by water. The harder the
ball was thrown, the higher it went. As it gained potential energy the ball
filled with water. Obviously, at the very top of the hill, when the ball could
no longer move upward, it was completely full. What an amazing place to be! At
the very top of a hill, filled with potential, anything is possible. The action
of throwing had great impact on the ball! My visualization, although
simplistic, has transformed into the way I see students.
Picture the student as a ball. It fills and empties with
water representing the student’s potential to be successful. The ball is moving
across the plane of life. The plane consists of peaks and valleys representing
both home life and school. When some action is taken that causes the ball to
move through a valley, ultimately, all of the water is depleted, void of
potential and nothing is possible. However, in the best environment and with
the most delicate yet focused action, the ball can move steadily upward as it
develops limitless potential. Limitless possibility.
