“Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” – Jim Collins
Upon reading chapters 1-5 of No Excuses University (Lopez, 2013), reflect on the foundational concepts of No Excuses University addressing each of the listed points. Compose your journal using first-person language.
- Consider the structure of each chapter. Describe the key elements you observed that make each chapter easy to follow or more readable.
- Select one “Key Concept” and one “Theory to Practice” statement from any of the first five chapters to reflect upon. Explain why it is personally and/or professionally relevant to you.
- Chapter five discusses the concept of having “your moment”. What was your moment? When did you know that you wanted to be involved in the lives of students or youth?
- What are the most common reasons why educators become jaded? What actions might ensure that we don’t lose sight of the commitments that we once made as new educators entering the profession?
