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MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 29

MAXIMize the Moment Volume 1, Issue 29

May 13, 2002
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MAXIMize the Moment

Now it's time to MAXIMize the Moment!

"Will, look at this day. The idea of going to Physics right now seems like cruel and unusual punishment."

"Pablo, you are so right. We should totally skip. We've worked hard for four years. We should be able to have little fun."

"Will, I can't afford to get caught. My mom would ground me and I could pretty much kiss goodbye any chance of going to Beach Week."

"Don't worry so much, Pablo. It's only Physics. You'll never use that stuff. Plus, Mr. Clemens is a complete space cadet. He won't even notice we're gone."

Will's right. It's not like he and I are doing anything wild. We're just going to McDonald's and getting some food. It's like the slogan they used to have: "You deserve a break today." And I do. I almost never get in trouble. I've busted my butt for the last fours years so that I could get into a good school and I don't have that much time left with my friends before we all spread out to different schools and jobs and stuff. I should be able to enjoy them while I can.

We have a great time and, when Will finally drops me off at home, I'm in a great mood.

My mother, unfortunately, is not: "Pablo, where have you been? Your school called me. There was a fire drill and no one could find you. They had no idea where you were. I was so worried that I had to leave early. Pablo, do you have any idea what it means to be a mother? It means that every time you hear a siren you wonder if it's for your child. But, you think, my son's okay. He's safe at school. Except you WEREN'T at school!"

"Mom, I'm fine. I just got something to eat. It was no big deal. Nothing's going on in school right now. I didn't miss anything. But, I am sorry that I made you worry."

"Pablo, you haven't graduated yet. You're still in school. That's your job right now. I know that the end is in sight, but you still have a responsibility to try your hardest."

Then, my bratty little sister starts singing that Lenny Kravitz song: "It ain't over 'til it's over." I know she's only doing it to make my mom more mad at me. I really want to make her shut up, but I guess she's right. "It ain't over 'til it's over." As tempted as I am, I can't afford to check out right now. I still have obligations. There are still people counting on me-including myself.

This week's maxim is "It ain't over 'til it's over."

Teacher Information

Maxim

  • "It ain't over 'til it's over."
    Yogi Berra

Featured character trait

  • Dedication-I put forth the effort and energy to do my best; I strive to honor my dreams and obligations.

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

  • Motivation-I am determined; I work to put forth my best effort.
  • Effort-I work towards my goals; I put in the time and effort necessary to be my best.
  • Determination - I am willing to work, to try, to fail, and to continue in my endeavor to improve myself.
  • Aspiration - I have goals and ideals which I work towards achieving; I believe that I can become a better version of myself and I am willing to put forth the effort to make that a reality.
  • Responsibility - I know which behaviors must be avoided, what obligations I have, and those things that I should do; I act upon that knowledge.
  • Self-control - I have the strength to make difficult, even unpleasant, choices; I stay cognizant of and focused on my goals and my ideals.
  • Ambition-I strive to be the best version of myself; I keep trying to improve.
  • Perseverance -I stay focused on the goal and continue to work towards achieving it.

Discussion starters / journal writing prompts

  • Does this scenario seem realistic?
  • How could it apply to students who aren't graduating seniors? Are other students tempted to "throw in the towel" before the year is over?
  • Besides skipping, are there other behaviors that demonstrate a lack of dedication to school and finishing out the year? What are some other ways that students "check out" early?
  • What are some risks of checking out early?
  • What are some benefits of following through to the end?
  • Do you think your teachers should slow down the pace because most people feel senioritis? What would be the consequences if he/she did that?
  • Let's say Pablo goes on to college and studies Political Science. Even thought there's a good chance he'll never take another Physics course, why is it still important that he give that course his all?
  • Certain classes that you take in middle and high school do not directly relate to what you do later in life. Why are they still important for your development?
  • What can you do to make your classes more meaningful? What steps can you take to make learning a richer experience for you? To what extent is it your responsibility to do so?
  • List some strategies for overcoming the temptation to "ditch" class or "zone out" at the end of the year.

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