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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 15

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 15

February 4, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

I can't believe what's become of this place, I think as I walk past the old playground. I spent every afternoon here when I was a kid and practically lived here during the summer. It used to be full of us kids—on the swings, on the basketball court, having races and sharing stories and secrets. Now it's pretty much deserted and I can see why.

It's in bad shape. There's garbage everywhere and a lot of the equipment is broken or has started to rust.

And then I think of a quote we just learned in school. As part of our Black History Month celebration, we're studying African-American poets and a quote by Joseph S. Cotter, Jr., really stuck in my head: "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare." I liked the quote because I thought it would be good motivation for those days that I don't feel like working and those times that I'm ready to give up.

But now, I realize that it's about initiative as well. It's about seeing a need and doing something about it. It's about being aware and taking action to make things better. It's about this old playground.

I have a vision of this place as it was—full of joy and life, teeming with happy kids. And I have a vision of how it could be—working equipment filled with laughing children, parents throwing the football with their kids on a field that is free from papers and broken glass.

I have a job to do. I don't know a lot about fixing things so I'll enlist the help of some of my friends. Maybe I can even get some of the neighborhood parents involved. And I have some free time right now. I might as well start, I think, as I head towards the field to start picking up some of the litter. I'm sure that some people walking by will think I'm crazy. But maybe some others will be willing to lend a hand.

Time to put my mind, my talents, and my passion to good use. Like Cotter said, you have to "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare."

This week's maxim is "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "Train your head and your hands to do, your head and your heart to dare."
    Joseph Seamon Cotter, Jr.

Featured character trait

  • Service — I want to help others and try my best to do so; I try to understand the needs of others and help to meet those needs.

Character points (for substitution if this week's trait isn't one of your school's core values)

  • Caring — I value the wants and needs of others; I try to help to the extent that I can.
  • Diligence — I acknowledge the value in striving and am willing to work dutifully towards my goals.
  • Optimism—I see the potential in life; I acknowledge the good and am able to envision things being even better.
  • Community — I recognize that I am part of a bigger whole; I live out my calling and responsibility to be of service to others.
  • Love — I care for those around me and try to help when possible.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • This quote talks about having both the courage to see a better world and the diligence to make it happen. List examples of people who were able to affect positive change because of their courageous vision and consistent effort. Explain your choices.
  • List some aspects of our school community that you would like to see improved.
  • What might an "improved version" be like?
  • What are some positive and practical ways you can help to bring about that improvement?
  • If you had the ability to make just one positive change in the world, what would you choose? Why?
  • What can you do at this point in your life to help with that situation?
  • What can you do today to help prepare you to have an even greater impact on things in the future?
  • Think of a time that you wanted to make a change, but were unable to follow-through. What stopped you from carrying out your vision?
  • What kinds of things help you persevere in your goals?
  • This quote talks about having the "heart to dare." What does that mean?
  • List some things that can make even trying difficult. How can those changes be overcome?

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