A book I read on a regular basis reminds me of the value of hard work, humility, and faith.
“We will be amazed before we are halfway through,” it promises.
This promise has come true for me countless times in the past. On Tuesday, it came true again – this time in the form of an intelligent, solemn young man. He’s an 8-year-old green belt, yet he acts like a sage black belt.
Tuesday began like most days at the dojang. I joyfully watched the Tiny Texans as they began their energetic parade into the school. It’s always fun to watch these pre-K martial artists bop in the door, bow as they make their best attempt at a Korean hello, and then run into the training hall to play like whirling dervishes before class.
The highlight of the day, though, came when 8-year-old Ziyah handed me a white sheet of notebook paper containing his essay on what makes a good leader.
Ziyah and his classmate Calvin each wrote essays to earn 10 extra leadership points toward meeting their Junior Leaders qualifications at Tao of Texas Martial Arts Institute.
Writing such an essay hasn’t previously been a requirement to qualify for Junior Leader status at Tao of Texas. However, I’m already rethinking that. I’ve been so blown away by my students’ serious thought and wisdom on the subject that I’d be crazy not to continue this rite of passage – for their sakes and for mine.
The energy they give this project is so inspiring. Their words fill my spirit with gratitude, gladness, and hope.
Ziyah – a thin, oftentimes-quiet green belt with soft, brown eyes and hair – cracked a slight smile as he handed me the sheet of paper. His essay was neatly written in pencil. He was proud and excited, and I’m sure a tad bit scared. His parents told me that he’d been working hard on the essay, and I knew he wanted me to like it.
“Thank you, sir,” I said, bowing as I took the paper. “If you don’t mind, I’m going to read this later. I want to get a cup of coffee and sit back, because I can tell this is going to be some good reading.”
He smiled all the way this time. “Yes, ma’am,” was all he said.
So this morning as I drank my cup of coffee, I began to read. Again, I was amazed at the wisdom that comes from 8-year-olds:
“A leader is a good example to other class mates.
“They never show their fears.
“They always listen to the teacher and does what the teacher says.
“Leaders remain calm and focused on responsibilities.
“Some of them are bowing in and out of the dojang, keeping uniform clean, putting away materials after use, and always saying yes mam and yes sir.
“They are always confident and never frustrated.
“They never get people in trouble.”
(I can think of a few high-profile and high-powered lawmakers in Washington, D.C., who could greatly benefit from spending five minutes with this young man.)
Ziayh and Calvin will soon take their Junior Leader vows, after which they will receive their new, sharp and snazzy uniforms, and coveted Junior Leader patches. It’s a BIG DEAL at our school to become a Junior Leader, and I am excited for them both. I can only imagine the incredible growth that's in store for them.
After all, I'm already amazed – and they're not even halfway through.
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