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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 22

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 22

March 25, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

"Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!"

"Look, Jon. It's Coach. I never expected to see him at a concert on Saturday night. I figured he spent all his free time working out or prepping for the next game."

"In know what you mean, Dominic. But, that is him. Let's go say hi."

When we catch up with him, Coach is incoherent and clumsy. He's slurring his words because he's wasted.

Coach. Of all people. The man who preaches discipline and self-control above all else. When Zack got in a fight, Coach benched him for three games. The school was willing to go easier on Zack, but Coach wanted to let us know that he didn't tolerate that sort of behavior. He always says that "Strength and discipline win games-character makes champions."

Coach Jackson saved me from making bad choices-not only on the field. When I don't feel like studying or going to practice, I think about his words and I know that I have to be disciplined and do the right thing even if I don't want to.

And now Mr. In-control is stumbling around and slurring his words! I trusted him. I looked up to him. For the last three years, he's been like a father to me. But now I find out that Coach is a hypocrite!

At practice on Monday, I don't even want to look at Coach. I'm angry at him and embarrassed for him. I don't know how I'll make it to the end of the season. How am I supposed to listen to someone I have so little respect for?!

Then I remember today's Western Civ. class. Mr. Thomas talked about Gandhi and passive resistance. "Students," he said, "Think of how he was treated. He was tormented, bullied, and cursed. Yet all his life he maintained a spirit of peace. He even said that 'The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.' How many of us could live that message out under such extreme circumstances? Do we in our regular, everyday lives?"

Suddenly, I understand what I must do. I must work towards forgiving Coach Jackson. I don't have to respect him as much as I did, but I should try to forgive him. If I let anger be the final word, then weakness has won. Even though Coach didn't act in an honorable way, I can. It won't be easy, but I'm going to try.

This week's maxim is "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
    Mahatma Gandhi

Featured character trait

  • Forgiveness - I acknowledge and try to work through the faults and wrongdoings of others; I recognize that all people have imperfections, and am able to love them anyway.

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

  • Resilience - I am able to withstand times of trial; disappointments may upset me, but I am able to overcome and remain true to myself and my beliefs.
  • Mercy - I recognize that all people are imperfect; I try to help others overcome their faults, rather than condemning them.
  • Strength - I continue to do what I know to be right, even when it is extremely difficult.
  • Tranquility - I work to be a person of peace and resolve, even when I am surrounded by strife and chaos.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does Jon have a right to be upset with Coach Jackson?
  • Was it wrong for the Coach to talk about discipline without being an entirely disciplined person himself?
  • How should Coach Jackson address the situation? What sort of explanation or apology does Jon have a right to expect?
  • What is a role model?
  • Do role models need to be perfect? What level of imperfection is allowed for someone to be a role model?
  • Should Coach Jackson still be considered a good role model?
  • Would your feelings about the story change if it had involved a teacher rather than a trusted coach?
  • What level of responsibility do you expect from your teachers?
  • What sorts of behaviors do you think are inappropriate for adults who serve as role models to teens?
  • How important is it to you that those who "talk the talk" also "walk the walk"?

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