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MLK's quote states it best.. We must build Dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear. 

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MLK's quote states it best.. We must build Dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear. 

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We must always keep moving onward and upward, for if we allow ourselves to stop, panic, and reflect on all of our insecurities, your fears can paralyze you. Fear keeps you miserable and stagnate. Life's for living and change is inevitably powerful.

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Every individual come across a challenge at some point in their lives. Some individuals are exposed to more challenges than others regarding their personal, social or cultural situation. It is those individuals that focus on the challenge and not allow it to become an issue are those who seek a greater outcome. An individual who challenges his/her personal, social, or cultural challenge represents an empowerment of self inspiration, motivation and perseverance to itself.

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Make Lemonade....It may not easy to turn a negative situation into a positive experience but when it happens there is a true sense of empowerment. The past 5 months have been a daily challenge to put one foot in front of the other to function professionally and personally...some days are better than others. But I have to make a conscious decision that there is a new normal...to find a positive in a  negative. Many years ago I was in a situation where those around me were in a seemingly sad group with no way out. This was so depressing that I found another outlet to help others and I  worked with a group to start a program which helps families with challenging children...You could say it helped both...me and the families in need.  It is difficult to "teach" this. I think it may be mostly through modeling behaviors. I truly believe it is personal trait that is in us...we just may have to reach deep to find it...when we do...we are the better for it.

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Chuck decided to paint with his teeth even after becoming paralyzed, and still became an amazing artist and this shows that no matter what obstacle you come across, you should use positive vibes and investigate other paths to take to continue doing what you love. Only listen to your heart, don't give up.

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Individuals face numerous obstacles in their lifetime. Often times, individuals have to overcome everyday challenges. It is important that we take care of ourselves, and find ourselves before we tend to others. As educators, we cannot fully meet the needs of our students without finding our own element.

Paulo Coelho's book The Alchemist, is an excellent read, of a man traveling to find himself. This concept of overcoming barriers, is a challenge that is only overcome by the drive, of the individual him or herself.

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I agree that you hold yourself back from reaching your element because you try to be what other expect of you.  You live your life to please others and don't take what you want into consideration.  I myself did not find my element until I was way into adulthood and that came when I stopped living my life on others expectations.  

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I agree that you hold yourself back from reaching your element because you try to be what other expect of you.  You live your life to please others and don't take what you want into consideration.  I myself did not find my element until I was way into adulthood and that came when I stopped living my life on others expectations.  

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As seen in this chapter, a person's attitude and outlook on life is very important. It is imperative that a person not let an obstacle they have faced define who they are. Close could have easily given up painting as a result of his situation, but through his strong-will and love of art he found a way to persevere. Of course it will be easier to let fear take over, but will it be worth it?  I feel as educators it is our responsibility to ensure that all of our students know that they are in an environment where taking chances are encouraged. Likewise, they must feel and know that the classroom they are is a safe place where trying something new is welcomed. If students do not feel this safety net they will never take chances. 

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As seen in this chapter, a person's attitude and outlook on life is very important. It is imperative that a person not let an obstacle they have faced define who they are. Close could have easily given up painting as a result of his situation, but through his strong-will and love of art he found a way to persevere. Of course it will be easier to let fear take over, but will it be worth it?  I feel as educators it is our responsibility to ensure that all of our students know that they are in an environment where taking chances are encouraged. Likewise, they must feel and know that the classroom they are is a safe place where trying something new is welcomed. If students do not feel this safety net they will never take chances. 

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I believe that it is part of your personality. If you are a strong willed person, you will persevere through difficulty. If you are fearful of things, you will have difficulty when presented with arduous situations.

I was always fearful of failure in school until I had a statistics class in college. My teacher Dr. Gaddy, made me feel comfortable and that I can do it.

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A person's attitude can make or break them in life! When you do not let fear get the best of your attitude you can achieve anything in life. When I was in elementary school I was petrified to speak in front of my class. The fear held me back, I did not realize all of my capabilities until a college professor made our class feel safe! I always strive to make my students feel safe in my classroom...Safe to try, safe to question, safe to make mistakes, safe to think outside their comfort zone, safe to be themselves. I never want them to be held back by fear like I was!

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New school motto? What do you think, Mr. Ventura?

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New school motto? What do you think, Mr. Ventura?

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It is us that allows fear to overtake ourselves. True there are outside contributors out there that may make influence our failures and our success, but WE determine if we will let that affect us. FDR said it.... Fears can turn into tears, but our fears can turn into CHEERS.

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I found the description of Jeffers' "nine fears" very interesting.  Perhaps we should include instruction in our classrooms about these fears, familiarizing students with the language and concepts so that they may recognize and even categorize fears that may keep them from pursuing their passions.  We should probably teach language to help students respond to our fears, too, so that they can not only identify a fear but work through it.

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I found the description of Jeffers' "nine fears" very interesting.  Perhaps we should include instruction in our classrooms about these fears, familiarizing students with the language and concepts so that they may recognize and even categorize fears that may keep them from pursuing their passions.  We should probably teach language to help students respond to our fears, too, so that they can not only identify a fear but work through it.

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It is unfortunate that sometimes a person's environment and/or peers can have such an impact on them. In some cases, the impact may be positive, which betters everyone involved. However, sometimes the impact is negative. It is important for a person to be an individual while also remembering to take risks. 

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It is unfortunate that sometimes a person's environment and/or peers can have such an impact on them. In some cases, the impact may be positive, which betters everyone involved. However, sometimes the impact is negative. It is important for a person to be an individual while also remembering to take risks. 

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This chapter focuses mainly on the strength of a human being despite the hardships that life presents to them.  It is a strong will and determination that led Chuck to his unbelievable success.  Chuck's narrative is one that inspires many.  The chapter also mentions social, constraints.  My son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2.  I was told by experts that my son was never going to function in society (yes they did say that).  Today my son is finishing his undergraduate degree, he is clever and incredibly artistic.  His will and determination has placed him today as a productive member of this society.  

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This chapter focuses mainly on the strength of a human being despite the hardships that life presents to them.  It is a strong will and determination that led Chuck to his unbelievable success.  Chuck's narrative is one that inspires many.  The chapter also mentions social, constraints.  My son was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2.  I was told by experts that my son was never going to function in society (yes they did say that).  Today my son is finishing his undergraduate degree, he is clever and incredibly artistic.  His will and determination has placed him today as a productive member of this society.  

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It is clear that there are people who are impacted and pressured by their communities to do things sometimes they like or don't like. It is imperative that we create a culture of learning and growth where all feel motivated to GROW ACHIEVE, and SOAR with EXCELLENCE!

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I agree, when faced with obstacles - one finds the strength and perseverance to push through.  Finding ways and alternatives to break through life's obstacles warrants determination.  Additionally, obtaining and striving towards one's passion in life enables you to break down the barriers to continue doing what you are most passionate about (one's element).  Being true to yourself and not letting obstacles get in your way comes from one's strength within.  Lastly, knowing who you are and what you want enable's you to break free from strong opposition to be the person you are meant to be.  The common thread is a strong sense of self, determination, and knowing what's important to you will ensure perseverance.  

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I agree, when faced with obstacles - one finds the strength and perseverance to push through.  Finding ways and alternatives to break through life's obstacles warrants determination.  Additionally, obtaining and striving towards one's passion in life enables you to break down the barriers to continue doing what you are most passionate about (one's element).  Being true to yourself and not letting obstacles get in your way comes from one's strength within.  Lastly, knowing who you are and what you want enable's you to break free from strong opposition to be the person you are meant to be.  The common thread is a strong sense of self, determination, and knowing what's important to you will ensure perseverance.  

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This chapter was very inspiring.  This chapter talks about a person named Chuck Close.  He had to be unbelievably gifted.  I don't believe he is the "normal."  His drive had to be so very strong.

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This chapter was very inspiring.  This chapter talks about a person named Chuck Close.  He had to be unbelievably gifted.  I don't believe he is the "normal."  His drive had to be so very strong.

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I think about myself.  I would like to learn a new language.  The fear of making a mistake and being made fun of is overpowering.
Then, I think about my students. I see this fear when learning a new language. This is something I drill in my students, "Don't be afraid to make a mistake." Once we can get rid of the "fear" and break through the barrier, so much more can be learned.

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I believe that your environment  can have an impact on how you develop.  However, if you are brought up in an environment that promotes independence and self reliance you will always be true to yourself regardless of outside factors.

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I believe that your environment  can have an impact on how you develop.  However, if you are brought up in an environment that promotes independence and self reliance you will always be true to yourself regardless of outside factors.

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I agree that outside forces are more powerful than we think.  If you were raised to be strong, or well adjusted, facing these forces may be easier.  

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I agree that outside forces are more powerful than we think.  If you were raised to be strong, or well adjusted, facing these forces may be easier.  