(Part 11) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

It doesn’t happen often but it did for Justin Bieber. The young breakout star got his start on YouTube. After posting a few song clips, he caught the eye of Usher. When Bieber met Usher in Atlanta, it was the start of big things. Usher remembers seeing the ‘eye of the tiger’ in Bieber who has become his protégé.

This is the classic example of an apprentice relationship. It’s where you start out as a rookie or new recruit. Usher decided to mentor Bieber as a big-brother and protector. Bieber’s singing talent was plenty. But since he was new to the music business he had to learn to ‘think like a winner and act like a star.’

With no formal music training beyond a few drum lessons, Bieber became self-taught on the guitar. He’s had to work hard and remain focused on growing his singing appeal. While most teenagers get to hangout, Bieber makes the sacrifice in his social life. It’s how he prepares for platinum records.

If you were to ask Usher whether Bieber will have longevity, he might say it depends on his motivation. He’s got to want it more for himself than someone else wants it for him. His star power will outshine others if he’s bent on being an original and not a copy. Originals last for a while. Copies last for a minute.  

Bieber has achieved much success at a young age. His humble beginnings point to a great future. His attitude early on was that of ‘school me.’ He was ready and willing to soak up the knowledge of the business like a sponge. He’s shown how the right mentor can help move you closer to the big time.

(Part 11) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

It happened for Justin Bieber. Teenage girls caught the fever. Young, gifted and hot. Using Youtube to land a spot. Posting a few song clips. Finding a Manager who shared some tips. First meeting Usher in ATL. Becoming his protégé the world knows well. With the ‘eye of the tiger,’ he’s got the goods to sell.

The classic relationship as an apprentice. Ready as ever to pump his fist. Starting out as a rookie or new recruit. Becoming a household name to boot. With Usher as his big-brother and mentor. A reason for being his protector. Bieber’s singing talent is plenty. Thinking like a winner acting like a star before twenty.

No formal music lessons to show. Bieber put his game in the flow. Becoming self-taught on drums and guitar. Hoping one day to drive a sports car. Staying focused on his music appeal. Knowing his road to platinum would take zeal. Wooing the girls in looks, fragrance and feel.

Will Bieber have longevity in the biz?  Depends on his motivation as a whiz. Usher knows he’s got to want it more. Than worrying about a beef or settling some score. His star power will shine for long. If he’s an original like King Kong. Originals tend to last for a while. But copies end up on the junk pile.

Bieber has seen success at a young age. His humble beginnings point to the next stage. Seeking out as much ‘school me’ knowledge. Soaking up stuff like Sponge Bob in College. Sure, he’s ready willing and able. To have more success in his stable. As another mentoring success who’s capable.         

Tip: The classic mentoring relationship has taken many from ‘promising start to big-time finish’ using life-skills as a tool and adding in pop culture cool.

Talkback: How has social media helped change the game in getting good exposure or a needed break?

(Part 10) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

 Where can you find singer/songwriter Pebbles these days? Well, she teamed-up with Essence on a national R&B Star search. It’s about looking for the ‘X-factor’ among a sea of singing talents. They’re mentoring emerging stars by getting them ready for Showtime. 

This kind of mentoring in Corporate America is often called a pipeline development relationship. The journey is one of discovery. You connect with your unique talents, voice and vision. You’re in touch with who you are and why you are. The more you know what makes you tick the more things begin to click.

In the music business, this calls for artist development. In the case of mentoring it’s about personal and career enjoyment. You have to put in the time to go from good to great. Pebbles sees herself helping artists reach their full potential. This takes going from creation to production.

Yea, being true to yourself and not something else is important. Plus, your reputation in-house or on the streets helps you catch the eyes of others. A good mentor or sponsor might be the missing link to getting you to the next level. But it’s reputation and name recognition that make you get noticed. 

That’s the whole idea behind R&B Star. That’s the truth of the matter with mentoring. When your name gets called you’re ready for primetime. You can deliver the goods to perform on Showtime. You’re right on point when the breakthrough meant for you comes in the nick of time.

(Part 10) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

What’s singer/songwriter Pebbles up to these days? Making a name for herself in new ways. She’s been looking for a national R&B Star. With the help of Essence the winner should go far. The one with the “X-factor’ in signing talent. Who’d be rockin’ the mic with Showtime content.

Corporate America calls it ‘mentoring to fill the pipeline.’ The kind of relationship that needs discovery time. Connecting with your unique talents, voice and vision. Being in tough with your inner mission. Knowing who you are and what makes you tick. And the reason why you are as things begin to click.

With music it’s about artist development. With mentoring it’s in personal and dream enjoyment. As you put in the time going from good to great. Your skills you better appreciate. Pebbles taking artists’ potential to the top. From creation to the production shop. A process where the beat just don’t stop.

Yea, being true to yourself is key. If you wanna earn a fat fee. Your reputation In-house or on the streets. Helps you achieve some major feats. Catching the eyes of a good mentor or sponsor. Could be the ticket or success anchor. Your name in lights might pop-up. As you get noticed and begin to blow-up.

That’s how the new R&B Star gets a deal. And how mentors, role models and sidekicks work for real. You feel you’re ready for primetime. You’ve got the goods to perform on Showtime. You’re on point knowing success takes a climb. As your breakthrough shows-up in the nick of time.      

Tip: Mentors, role models and sidekicks might tell you to cheer-up, but reputation plus a good sponsor make you blow-up.

Talkback: Who are some has-been artists you’d like to see make a comeback or emerging artists you’d like to see blow-up?

(Part 9) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

NFL Linebacker Ray Lewis plays with the heart of a lion. This off-season he showed he’s got a heart of gold. Lewis connected with La’Shaun Armstrong during his family loss. Armstrong’s mother drowned herself and three kids in the Hudson River. Lewis says he’s got Armstrong’s back with mentoring for life.

When the news first broke Lewis felt he had to do something. His actions were like that seen in a life-saver relationship. He reached out to Armstrong as soon as he heard about the tragedy. Lewis plans to be there for Armstrong with the friendship that comes from having a ‘big brother.’

This story so moved Lewis and others that they quickly planned a black-tie fundraiser. The honored guests were Armstrong and his Grandmother. Lewis pledged dollars from his foundation for La’Shaun’s education. Oftentimes, mentoring is about practicing the stewardship of your time, talent and money.

Armstrong’s not sure if he wants to play pro football when he grows up. He’s being encouraged to take things one day at a time. During tough times one can either shrink like a violet or bloom like a rose. The choice you make to upload your star status will depend on the leadership steps you take. 

Lewis can do for Armstrong what Tony Dungy has done for Michael Vick. When setbacks or panic attacks hit, there may be some downtime in between time. Mentors, role models and sidekicks are reminders that it’s not over unless you quit and rollover. The right attitude of gratitude will cause a shift in your altitude.

(Part 9) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

Ray Lewis plays Linebacker like a lion. That’s his way on the gridiron. This off-season showing his heart of gold. Connecting with La’Shaun Armstrong when life went cold. His mother drowned herself and family in the Hudson River. Lewis promised him mentoring to last from now and forever.

He felt he had to do something. To keep Armstrong from crying. Taking action like that of a life-saver. Reaching out to him to provide some cover. He plans to be there as a ‘big brother’ head on. Sticking close to Armstrong even though Mom’s dead and gone.

Some were moved to organize. A black-tie fundraiser and grand prize. With honored guests Armstrong and his Grandmother. Ray serving as ‘father figure.’ Pledging dollars from his foundation. For Armstrong’s long-term education. Giving time, talent and money in stewardship. Mentoring him towards a scholarship.

Armstrong’s not sure about a football career. He’s glad to just have Lewis’ ear. Taking things one day at a time. Making sure he doesn’t succumb to crime. Shrink like a violet or bloom like a rose? During tough times it’s a matter of staying on your toes. To upload your star status means leadership’s not closed.

Lewis can do from Armstrong. What Tony Dungy did for Vick who’s back strong. When setbacks or panic attacks hit. Mentors can help you stay fit. By having the right attitude of gratitude. That’ll cause a shift in your altitude. Reminding you that it’s not over until it’s over. Or unless you quit and rollover.     

Tip: Mentors can help us make the shift in attitude when setbacks or panic attacks threaten our altitude.

Talkback: How have Michael Vick or Ray Lewis been an influence or made an impact in everyday life?

(Part -8-) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

 They’re not twins, but a hell of a tag team! That’s one way to describe Venus and Serena Williams. Years ago they first burst on the scene in braids and braces. Today they’re rocking the latest in tennis gear and After-5 wear. They found greatness in Dad’s passion for the game and Mom’s sacrifice for their success.

Growing up in Compton, they were instilled with a strong sense of belief. It’s what’s necessary for any achievement. You have to believe that you can. Then when the time’s right, you have to believe that you’re ready. Plus, no matter what others think, you have to believe that you’re worthy of the opportunity.

Theirs was a family-affair relationship that came with coaching and mentoring. Coaching doesn’t always mean 1-on-1 mentoring. But mentoring will quite likely involve some coaching. Coaching is normally skills related. But mentoring also included the emotional support they got from Mom.

So how might this support have helped upload their star status? Well, it took them through life’s eye-opening ‘aha moments.’ They were prepared for the game’s ‘make or break’ defining moments. Their parents celebrated with them as they climbed the ranks towards sports’ bright shining moments.

The coaching and mentoring they received was mixed in with tough love. They’ve shown you can achieve your dreams even when growing-up in the inner city or projects. It doesn’t matter what ‘side of the tracks’ you’re on. It’s about how ballers make the most of the brains, beauty and heartbeats they’re given.  

(Part -8-) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

The Williams sisters are not twins. But boy do they come to win. That’s how some see Venus and Serena. As tennis pros and doubles hyena. First breaking on the scene. With braids and braces looking lean. In the day rocking tennis gear. At night in After-5 wear. Finding greatness in Dad and Mom’s personal care.

Growing up in Compton with a strong sense of belief. Tennis might have brought them some relief. Knowing achievement means believing you can. Long before you gain a single fan. Then you have to believe that you’re ready. Pursuing your goals strong and steady. Like someone who feels truly worthy.

Theirs was a family-affair relationship. With coaching and mentoring for real leadership. Coaching not always to mean 1-on-1 mentoring. But mentoring that likely involved some heart-to-heart coaching. If coaching’s more related to a skill. Then mentoring brought emotional support without addiction to a pill.

So how’d this support help upload their star status? It’s like getting ready to climb mount Olympus. By rising up the ladder in rank. And putting more money in the bank. Going through eye-opening ‘aha moments.’ Preparing for ‘make or break’ defining moments. Celebrating those bright shining moments.

The coaching and mentoring they received. Was mixed with tough love not to be deceived. Just shows how dreams can be made. Looking past the inner city or a low grade. It really doesn’t matter what ‘side of the tracks’ you start. It’s about ballers making the most of their brains, beauty and beats of the heart.

Tip: Mentors, role models and sidekicks help you think less about the ‘side of the track’ on which you start and more about your brains, beauty and beats of the heart.

Talkback: What has made the Williams sisters and other pros such game-changers in their field?

(Part 7) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

You’ve heard of ‘rapper turned actor.’ There’re a few that come to mind. How about ‘rapper turned geek?’ Well, MC Hammer has taken his game to a new playground. He’s gone from ‘crash and burn’ to ‘crash and earn.’ Hammer’s now sharing his experiences in a way that gives mentoring a good name.

What can we learn from a rapper as it relates to mentoring? Hammer has shown how to invent or even reinvent yourself. You have to fire-up your passion. He’s gone from a passion for Hip-Hop to a passion for gadgets. Passion is not really about swagger. It’s in how you take your talent and ‘bring it’ bigger.

Hammer has invested in a few tech companies. He’s put his money where his heart is. In order to upload your star power you have to invest in yourself. This could be by reading books to grow your knowledge or taking classes to expand your horizon. That’s how you set the stage for a brighter future.

At this year’s NFL Hall of Fame induction, many shared stories from their journey on becoming a pro. A few remembered how their hard life as a child kept them going and growing. With mentors, role models and sidekicks around, they found something deep down inside that inspired them to ‘get-up-and-go.’

Hammer would admit he made some mistakes. But here’s a guy who said he was “too legit to quit.” He’s now mentoring others in a kind of ‘shadowing relationship.’ Every success story is a lesson in how you invent or reinvent yourself. Hammer knows that as you invest in yourself you’re sure to be inspired!

(Part 7) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

First there’s ‘rapper turned actor.’ A few you’ve seen in the theater. How ‘bout ‘rapper turned geek?’ Not everyone at night’s a freak. MC Hammer moves his game to a new playground. Taking ‘crash and burn’ to a ‘crash and earn’ compound. Giving mentoring a good name. Sharing his experiences and fame.

A rapper doing some mentoring? Or is it just more venting? Hammer shows how to invent or reinvent. Firing-up his passion with fresh content. Going from a love for Hip-Hop. To working with gadgets and gurus in flip-flops. Passion is not really about swagger. It’s how you take your talent and ‘bring it’ bigger.

Hammer’s invested in tech start-ups. Putting money from his heart up. This says something about star power upload. By how you invest in yourself for life’s road. Reading books to grow your knowledge. Taking classes during and after college. Expanding on your horizon. Maybe a brighter future with Verizon.

At this year’s Hall of Fame Induction. Many success stories for fan consumption. Of going from a regular Joe. To becoming an NFL pro. The hard times as a child. Without mentors, role models and sidekicks, could have gone wild. But each found something deep down inside. That kept them inspired with pride.

Hammer made mistakes, he’d sure admit. But he’s the one who’s “too legit to quit.” Now he’s mentoring and influencing others. A kind-of ‘shadowing relationship’ with young leaders. Every success story is a lesson to keep. In how you invent, reinvent, and inspire yourself to the top of the heap.

Tip: Success is a lesson in how you invent or reinvent yourself by being inspired to invest in yourself.

Talkback: How might rappers and other artists make a difference today as role models and mentors?

(Part 6) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

 First Lady Michelle Obama puts her passion into two community service projects. Let’s Move geared towards childhood obesity and Joining Forces in support of military families. She hopes for healthier and happier lives. Imagine if 2 or 3, 200 or 300, 2000 or 3000 of us got together for a mentoring explosion?

The First Lady sees the need to strengthen ties with kids and military families. They are often affected by missing fathers, some deployed at war. This is like what happens in single-parent households. Adults as well as kids can sometimes lose their way when there’s a weakened connection in the family.

What makes these efforts, or mentoring itself, a model community service project? Well, it’s a way to serve people so deeply that they remain close to family and country. In the case of mentors, role models and sidekicks, it’s about a bond that becomes so strong, it speeds more success along.

Maybe the First Lady feels it takes a village to support kids and military families through their trials and setbacks. A mentoring explosion would help establish a village too. This way generation next of America’s youth get the support they need to face their fears and tackle their dreams.   

These initiatives are about showing some love to kids and military families. They hope to increase the flow of opportunities that are missing or lacking. A mentoring explosion just might be the ticket to reaching the ‘masses in classes.’ In showing them some love, they can go from the classroom to the boardroom.

(Part 6) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

First Lady Michelle Obama. Sticks with the theme of no-drama. Launches Joining Forces and Let’s Move. To keep kids and military families in the groove. Focusing on health and wellness. With the help I’m sure of ‘his highness.’ How ‘bout 2 or 3000 strong? Building a ‘mentoring explosion’ before long?

The First Lady sees the need to strengthen ties. With kids and military families who go through many highs. Often with missing fathers, some deployed at war. Mothers tempted to hang out at the bar. A lot like single-parent households in the hood. Children lose their way ‘cause a family connection’s no good.

Mentoring explosion, a model community service project? You betta not find reasons to object. It’s a way to serve so deeply. That people cherish family and country. With mentors, role models and sidekicks. No need for any cheap tricks. It’s about a bond that’s so strong. It speeds more success along.

Maybe the First Lady feels it takes a village. As kids and military families rock their image. Overcoming the fear of attack. Supporting them through trials and setback. So that they do make a comeback. A mentoring explosion means the same thing too. Helping America’s youth’s dreams to come through.

Showing love to everyday folk. Who often need to laugh and joke. Hoping opportunities aren’t missing or lacking. So depression doesn’t have them packing. A mentoring explosion just might be. The ticket to reaching the ‘masses in classes’ you see. As they go from the classroom. Maybe even to the boardroom.

Tip: Mentors, role models and sidekicks can build a bond that’s so strong, it speeds more success along.

Talkback: What would happen if 2 or 3000 came together to create a ‘mentoring explosion’ flash mob?

(Part 5) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

“A Hand to Guide Me.” That’s the title of Denzel Washington’s book. It should be recommended reading as a mentoring hook. The proceeds benefit one of his favorite spots. They were there for him when growing up. Washington feels mentoring paved a path to purpose as an actor.

In looking back, it’s like mentoring gave him a sense of faith. It served as a ‘guardian angel’ in his life. He realized more and more that there was an ‘invisible hand’ guiding him along the way. Maybe that’s why he was able to go from being a PK (preacher’s kid) to being a DK (dream keeper).

At one point he wanted to become a Doctor, then Lawyer, then Journalist. His choice meant making a career decision not a money decision. In other words, do what you love, but not for the love of money. So he started to think and act as a free-spirit, trying his hand at different things.

He would ‘step-out-the-box’ and not be closed-minded. He took a Public Speaking class. One day he was asked by a friend whether he thought about being an actor. Later, he was told by a woman that he would be well-known. These tips gave him reason to study the famous.

Washington’s glad he learned to think and dream big. That’s a value of mentoring. It helps build aspirations. As he played sports he began to admire football greats Gale Sayers and Jim Brown. Sayers became his idol. Today, there’re lots of actors learning from and trying to be like Denzel.

(Part 5) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

Why checkout Denzel Washington’s book? It gives mentoring a fresh look. Named “A Hand to Guide Me.” Should be recommended reading, you’ll soon agree. Proceeds benefit his favorite Club. It’s where he hung-out as a young cub. Finding a path to purpose as an actor. In Hollywood he’s a major factor.

Looking back, and moving ahead. Where a sense of faith was planted. Like a guardian angel in disguise. As he became older and wise. Realizing there was an ‘invisible hand.’ Guiding him around quicksand. Maybe that’s why he rose from a PK (preacher’s kid). To becoming an example DK (dream keeper).

Wanting to become a Doctor. Maybe Journalist or Lawyer. Meant he had to make a choice. For giving his dreams a voice. Making a career not money decision. To have a lifestyle that fit his ambition. Doing what you love for sure. The love of money is not the cure. As a free-spirit, think and act as close to pure.

He did ‘step-out-the box.’ Not closed-minded like toes in a sox. Doing some Public Speaking as a starter. Asked by a friend about becoming an actor. Later told by a woman one day he’d be well-known. Seeing acting as a stepping stone to being grown. Studying the famous and renowned.

Washington’s glad he learned to think and dream big. Putting him on a path to finding his gig. That’s a value of real mentoring. It helps build aspirations in training. In sports he admired Jim Brown and Gale Sayers as rivals. But today, many look up to Denzel as one of their idols.   

Tip: Mentoring helps build aspirations, but it takes a sense of faith to bring the inspiration.

Talkback: Who’s on your list of top-three favorite actors (male or female) of all-time? Why?

(Part 4) Star Power Upload: (Old-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

 Who’s Patti Labelle thinking can walk in her shoes? Not as if we want her to retire. But Patti has been eyeing a few singers. They include names like Fantasia and Marsha Ambrosius. She’s looking to put her stamp on Ledesi. Oh yea, Patti believes she’s the one with the right kinda vibe.

In Patti’s mind the right vibe makes you a hit. She has ‘anointed’ Ledesi because of her voice. Patti believes Ledesi’s voice has range and power. It’s pure and close to perfect. Among Ledesi’s many tweets you can see how she looks-up to Patti as a mentor from a distance, but role model up-close.

Role models and mentors are examples of a grooming relationship. They help others find their voice. Not for singing but for living your dreams. It’s what moves careers from zero to hero. Patti also believes longevity in the game is about having a vision. You can look past right now to see the big picture.

Maybe Patti and Ledesi are cut out of the same cloth. They put heart and soul into their work. But Patti’s life is not just about the music. For her, star power means staying above the ‘hype of Hollywood.’ So, she’s found a hobby or vice in cooking. It provides relaxation and keeps her life on point.

A few years ago Patti sang to honor Prince for his BET Lifetime Achievement Award. This year Patti was in the honoree’s chair. Her life as mentor, role model and ‘celebrity chef’ shows how a vision helps you maximize your voice. This way you can have the right vice and a fun vibe for a lifetime of achievement.

(Part 4) Star Power Upload: (New-School Flava)
Why Mentors, Role Models and a Few Sidekicks Make You Shine!

What’s Patti Labelle thinking? Who can walk in her shows without blinking? Not that we want her to retire. But Patti’s eyeing a few singers who’ve got fire. Names like ‘Idol’ Alum Fantasia. Or ex-Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius. But Patti believes Ledesi’s the one. Having the right vibe for grown and sexy fun.

In Patti’s mind vibe makes you a hit. She thinks Ledesi’s got it in her toolkit. Anointed because of her voice. She was Patti’s first choice. As she shows range and vocal power. Pure, close to perfect with an attitude that’s not sour. Among Ledesi’s many tweets. Listing Patti as mentor and role model peeps.

Theirs is like a grooming relationship. Sparked from a distant friendship. It’s how mentors and role models bring you in the fold. Helping you turn your dreams into gold. Even if your career is at zero. You can rise to pop-star hero. Patti feels vision adds longevity in the game. Seeing the big picture boosts your acclaim.

Maybe they’re cut out the same cloth. Putting heart and soul in their song broth. But for Patti life is more than music that’s good. Her star power is in staying above the ‘hype of Hollywood.’ Finding a hobby or vice in cooking. Selling products through home shopping. Which provides relaxation and a good living.

Not long ago singing for Prince’s BET honor. A Lifetime Achievement for his musical power. This year was Patti’s turn. Receiving the same honor which she did earn. Mentor, role model, ‘celebrity chef,’ to name a few. Success for Patti means turning vision and a voice into a larger view.

Tip: Role models and mentors show how vision helps you maximize your voice with the right vice so you can have a fun vibe.

Talkback: Do you agree with Patti that Ledesi’s got next or could she have picked someone else?

(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?