Speaking from Experience
You know how some boys grow up being told that they are no good? Or that they won't amount to anything? Losers and no-hopers? Sometimes it is verbal and direct, sometimes through abuse or repeated acts of neglect. It's a toxic message for any child. Unless there is a strong counter message, the child eventually falls into line with that message and becomes "that rotten kid" assigned to him.
When I was leaving high school, aged 17, my teacher took the time to personally tell me I was hopeless and would never amount to anything. He knew kids and he was never wrong. Those were his words.
His message has ended up being a gift. Being grown-up and having done more than I ever imagined, I know he was a clueless jack-ass (just saying is all). But he gave me a finely-tuned radar for kids who carry that message around and truly believe they are worthless. I can pick them in a crowd.
What's more, it only takes one voice to change years of negativity. You can't fake it. You have to believe in him, you have to be consistent in voice and actions and never overlook an accomplishment.
But it is so worthwhile and such a great investment. Which takes us to tonights photo.
I know that somewhere on a hard-drive, I have a photo of this wonderful boy when I first met him, a sad, worn example of the above. But why bother - this image, taken just three hours ago, doesn't need a prologue. He is special, he is talented and no-one can tell him otherwise.
- Scott Neeson, founder of Cambodian Children's Fund
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