(Part 3) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

Every 26 seconds a student drops out of school. The folks at 26seconds.com want to change that. They hope to have kids be “inspired, informed and in touch.” They’ve teamed-up with government, industry and sports figures to help. Even Lebron James knows how kids can avoid being a dropout.

He credits his mother for pushing him to finish high school. This he believes was the single most reason why he’s not among the statistics. James has applied lessons from sports to his success in school and life. As a ‘big brother’ to today’s kids he might say “you can’t be scared of hard work.”

So what’s hard work? It’s a willingness to put in the time to reap the benefits. James spends a lot of time in the gym working on his game. Sometimes it’s lifting weights. Other times it’s in practicing shots. It’s better to put in the time before taking the climb than to put in the time after doing the crime.

James also knows about having drive. One of the exciting things kids look forward to is Driver’s Ed. They get to put the pedal to the metal and feel a build-up of speed. However, the drive James might brag about involves focusing your energy and passion to build momentum that creates progress.

Parents have a role to play in keeping kids on track. But in the end, success comes through perseverance. Denzel Washington remembers his coach saying “perseverance is your greatest talent.” For kids that means dropping out of school is not an option. You gotta be more to achieve more.

(Part 3) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

Every 26 seconds a kid drops out of school. Listen-up, don’t be no fool! 26seconds.com hopes to inspire. So kids are informed and in-touch to go higher. Teaming up with celebs and decision makers. To help kids become movers and shakers. Even Lebron James avoided being a cop-out and school dropout.

Crediting his Mom for the push. That made him get off his tush. Maybe the single most reason. Helping him get through the school season. James knows how success in school and life relate. He’s used those lessons on becoming great. As a ‘big brother’ he might say. “Don’t be scared of hard work today.”

Wanna know what’s hard work? Spend time to reap the benefits and not be a jerk. James is always working on his game. Sometimes lifting weights or taking shots to back-up his fame. It’s better to put in the time before taking the climb. Than to put in the time after doing the crime.

James also knows about drive. It’s the kind that makes your energy come alive. Think of it in terms of Driver’s Ed. You put the pedal to the metal as the speed goes to your head. Drive is like passion that builds momentum. So you can grow in leaps, bounds and mass quantum.     

Yes, parents have a role to play. So kids, stay on track and not stray. In the end it’s up to you. Let your perseverance shine through. As others have often said. “Perseverance is your greatest talent,” not what happens in bed. Dropping out is not an option. You gotta be more to earn more paper and commission.   

Tip: A good mentor knows that talent without perseverance is like a shiny car with no power. Add hard work and drive and you’ll go far in becoming a star.

Talkback: How can we do more so America’s kids don’t lose hope and drop out of school?