Austin is the smallest kid in his grade. He is sometimes teased by his peers, but he has a determined attitude and is confident he can do anything he if he practices.
I encouraged Austin to sign up for the intramural volleyball team I lead as his school’s Playworks Coach. At the first day of practice, he was enthusiastically trying, but couldn’t get the ball over the net. As the season went on, he kept practicing and improving his skills. He was always the first to practices and games and the last to leave. But getting the ball to the other side of the court remained out of reach.
During the final game of the season Austin was determined to get the ball over the net. Some of the kids that teased him were sitting in the stands. Finally, he sent the ball soaring over the net thanks to his confidence and perseverance.