Don't Give Up

"Don't give up......... Don't. Ever. Give. Up." Those famous words were spoken by the great Jim Valvano at the ESPY awards in 1993 in reference to the motto his V Foundation would have in the fight against cancer.  These words ring true to me in my life over and over again, and I'm trying to pass the meaning behind them to my children.  I wish more parents would strive to do the same.  I'm about to make an analogy that some of you may think is a stretch, but in my mind, they are completely in sync.


My 3rd grade, 9 year old daughter, whom has struggled with reading confidence in her young academic career, has blossomed into an amazing reader this year.  About a month ago she came home with a 240 page book at the top of her reading range.  She told me she wanted to read it because she and a friend were partner reading this novel.  I was hesitant to let her try such a long, difficult book, for fear that she would struggle and then lose her confidence. Then I thought, if she wanted to give it a whirl, whom was I to stand in the way.


Now, try to put yourself in the shoes of Nik Stauskas', Glenn Robinson III's, and Mitch McGary's parents with coach Beilein sitting in your living room.  It is no secret to anyone that the University of Michigan is no academic chump.  They have high academic standards and expectations, amazing programs, demanding professors and produce some VERY successful people.  It seems to me that some parents may shy away from such a demanding school, but don't stand in the way, and want the best education for their child. Even if it means struggling some.  Much how I felt when my daughter came home with a difficult book.


My daughter started this book and it wasn't exactly a page-turner for her.  She didn't like it at first, and wasn't sure she wanted to keep reading it.  But, she decided that since her classmate was depending on her to keep up, she should uphold her end of the deal. 


Flip back to those basketball players......You're beginning to see my comparison aren't you?? If not, stick with me, it will become clearer.


Glenn, Mitch, and Nik all came to Michigan in hopes of playing basketball and developing their talents.  They did just that. Then, after that first year, some of them began to waiver in their commitment and thought maybe they'd go try out the NBA. However, they collectively decided to stick around and play another year with their teammates. Honor their commitment. Much like my daughter with the book and her classmate.


About half-way through the book, my daughter began to waiver in her commitment to the book. Her friend had quit reading and she was feeling like there was no reason to finish the book if her friend wasn't reading it too. I convinced her to keep going. "Don't give up", I told her.  She was half way done and had been working so hard. Afterall, what good is a half completed book? Nothing. It was nothing but a waste of 2 weeks if she quit now.  She even told her teacher she didn't want to keep reading it. To which her teacher said, "But you've been working so hard, you don't really want to quit now, do you?" After some thinking, my daughter decided she did want to keep reading.


Similarly, these basketball stars were faced with a decision after completing half of their commitment. Now, it's no secret that two thirds of them have made their decision and have, in fact, abandoned their education to pursue the almighty dollar. Mitch McGary is the only one, for the moment, still upholding his end of the deal.  What good is a half completed education? It's nothing but a waste of a couple years of hard work.


I can only hope that Mitch's parents are giving their son, regarding his education, the same advice that I gave my daughter with regards to the book. Because today, she finished the book. It took her a whole month, but she didn't give up. She. Never. Gave. Up.






My Pick 6 reasons to finish college:
1. Education can never be taken away
2. It is the BEST time of your life
3. It's the last time in life to be carefree
4. The money will be there with a completed degree
5. You'll look back on this time with great fondness
6. The memories made will last a lifetime