As a teacher, there are several things that I do not look forward to facing, such as a disagreeable parent, a stubborn student, lengthy assignments to grade, and weekends to work. But when I think of Marcus Luttrell, the Navy SEAL who was the 'lone survivor' from Operation Red Wings, I am inspired to face a parent with courage as he did. And when I think of how he dragged himself for miles with a broken back and numerous shrapnel wounds to evade the enemy, I am inspired to persevere and work with each student until they experience success. When I think of what it was like for him to lose his 'brothers' in the fight, I realize that grading is not painful at all. And when I think of the sacrifice Marcus and many others have made with their lives, I realize that a weekend of lesson planning is a small sacrifice well worth the effort.
As a SEAL, Marcus exemplified what it meant to never quit. Teaching is tough, but by taking just one step at a time as Marcus did, parents are empowered, students gain confidence in themselves, learning happens, and lives are changed for the better.
Thank you Marcus Luttrell. I will never quit.
