"Show me an obstacle and I will show you an opportunity."

I really loved this section of the book, especially the notable theme that many of us still grasp opportunity when all seems lost. Despite our shortcomings and the grave outlook of the future...and let's face it, some of the classes we'll teach...there is hope that we'll fight and there is hope that some continue to do the right thing. I was touched by the soldier serving his 6th term. 6!!!! I can't wrap my mind around that. I was and am too cowardly to even consider enlisting. Perhaps even in our own lives as teachers (especially during that February and March time), we focus too much on the negative and not enough on the positive---a focus on too much that is not done correctly and not enough on what is done correctly. Wendy Kopp saw the negative, but didn't focus on it. She pursued a passion that has not only helped many students in poverity-stricken areas, but has also made thousands of accomplished men and women aware of the other side. I might need to re-read this section again after homeroom attendance on a cold, dark morning in early March just to remind myself that we do make a difference and we do have a purpose.