“Everything negative — pressure, challenges — is all an opportunity for me to rise.” – Kobe Bryant
As a school counselor, I am charged with the responsibility to fight for equity and social justice (https://excellenceinschoolcounseling.com/develop-a-cba/define-student-excellence-overview/relationships-overview/social-justice/). When I am faced with negative situations that could have a lasting impact on my students, I have to stand up and rise to protect their future. This is not an option but a must. I want my students to have an opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The late Kobe Bryant did everything to pursue his dreams in-spite of the people who did not believe in him. That is the same “Mamba Mentality” we must take as educators to help our students. There’s no excuse. Even if it takes the disruption of the current education system to help students succeed. Fighting for equity and fair educational opportunities is no easy task but someone has to take the chance. It’s all about taking risks and knowing that whatever happens, you’ll be ok. Just like Kobe, when he entered National Basketball Association at the young age of 17 years old, it was a risk.
If a student cannot read, it’s our duty to teach them how to read. If a student cannot add, it’s our duty to teach them how to add. When children struggle with anxiety, fear or depression, it’s our duty to protect their social and emotional well-being. If you ask a child, the famous question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and they say, “A professional athlete”, STOP and think before you judge their answer.
From what we all knew but witnessed this week, with the passing of Kobe Bryant, a professional athlete can have a bigger impact on this world than most could ever imagine. We should always fight for a kid’s dream and make them believe that anything is possible. Thank you to the educator who believed in Kobe.