Aim High, Young Man!

There is always a story.  Always more than meets the eye.  And if we discover what's really behind the way someone engages or doesn't, you never know what is possible.  Maybe even change.  

Music by Scott Holmes - A Wee Tipple 
Non Copyright Music

Transcript

SPEAKER_00 0:06

Hey man, dude, I'm so fiercely proud of the work and effort you've put into the last three years. And look at where you're at today. Do you remember when we first met? You wondered who the hell I was, your challenging stance, not wanting to talk, daring me to say the wrong thing, daring me to just try and get you to talk. There was a ton of grief behind those clenched fists of yours, pain behind the way you startled quickly. What began to break the ice was when you were accused of something and I stood up for you. Then when you admitted you had lied, I simply thanked you for telling me, and you never lied to me again. We played card games and laughed together, and when I followed through with my promises and checked in on you to make sure you were okay, the look in your eyes began to change. Your posture softened, and your eyes seemed to question if you could trust what you were seeing. And I wondered what had happened before all the trouble. The reports given were lengthy, but I was sure had to be missing quite a few important details. Over time you began telling me some of the smaller things that had occurred in your life, always intently studying me while I responded. And then one day, hesitantly, you began talking to me about the harder things. Remember when you began to realize that what had happened to you really was not okay? The double take you did when you saw the tears in my eyes as you told me your story, then said Nobody has ever cried for me. And then one day, while working on a project together, you asked, Do you think I can change? Gosh, my heart melted even more. You've already begun to change. Really? You asked. Yeah, really. Well, what do I need to do to keep changing? You are watching me so closely. Well, your job is to be as honest as you can with me. And my job is to make it safe for you to be honest. Then we can work together and figure the rest out. And during the next three years, you faced so many obstacles, disbelief from everyone around you, and a lot of unkind words said. No acknowledgement of your consistency, your effort, your accomplishments, broken glasses needing repaired, and trips to the doctor. Do you remember the night spent in the emergency room? And then your decision to withhold revenge, though I thought it would have been well deserved. Remember how many times we strategized on how to handle situations, practicing how to use words instead of fists, or just quietly deciding what was in your best interest in doing that without making a scene. Yeah, we had hundreds of conversations over good food. And by the way, I'm so glad you let me show you that a big mac and fries is not the best food out there. Tomorrow's a big day, man. Remember, I don't care how many times we have to go in front of the system and they don't believe you have changed, but we are going to keep going. Whatever is decided, no one decides who you are or who you're going to be. You've already decided that. So when we face the faces of the system, they only decide length of time. You decide on quality of character, on your response. Aim high, young man, because I see a bright future ahead of you.