During almost 22 years of tenure at Claflin University, I have been told by many students, "I have a mother at home," or "Be glad that you are not my mother," or "Yes! Mom," (though sarcastically), or even to the extent of "Get a life." My responses to them were, "Your mom is away from you," or "Good!" or "I have a life, but when I am with you, you are my concern." However, most of them came back later and apologized for "snapping at" me. Often they have told the stories of their lives and what "a lot is going on."

Find me guilty. I agree; it's been my specialty too. I have bugged them, the young aspiring geniuses, persistently to do better than their present performance, if I saw the potential and they were failing to utilize it. I would talk with and to them relentlessly, until they started wiggling and said, "I need to go." I am glad that my persistence in encouraging students hasn't been all negative. Many have taken time to discuss matters with me, thanked me for encouragement and guidance, and have improved their scholastic performance. Some, at least a couple from the business department, promised me that they will be millionaires one day and will come back to take care of me. Though I am not waiting for them to come back to take care of me, I feel blessed. Their loving gesture and kind concern are secured in my heart.

Though a few of my colleagues who observe me closely know of this characteristic, I thought it was a well-kept secret. It was only until it was not talked about publicly a couple of years ago when a large group of prospective newcomers and their parents were visiting the Writing Center. While introducing the faculty members that were present there, when it came to my turn, my former colleague Dr. Barbara McIver said, "This is Mrs. Hiremath, who works full time at the Writing Center; she will be a help when you need it; and she listens to all your stories." Feeling rather self-conscious, I stealthily rolled my eyes around; all the eyes were on me. However, noticing a couple of parents nodding and smiling at me, feeling approved, I said to myself, "OK!"

Each person has amazing power within her/himself that has not yet been tapped. To keep your willpower mighty, think of great lives, the heroes and heroines who have helped to shape your life or motivate you to surround yourself with challenging people and ideas. Nurture your mind with great thoughts that will help you to grow. Growth is evidence of life.

When you study the lives of great people, you will realize that they did not achieve their successes overnight, nor were the titles "hero" and "heroine" randomly placed on a silver platter and bestowed upon them to honor them. Their perseverance and endurance led them to their desired destination, but the journey was neither short nor painless. Do not ever forget: There is no gain without pain.

Many times it is heard, "My friend is a genius; he/she makes all A's. I am not that smart." This attitude is a lame excuse for not committing to work hard and not accepting academic challenges. You need to remember, as Thomas Edison said, "Genius is 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration."

In addition, never forget that however hard you work, you are going to experience failures now and then. Perk up yourself by remembering what Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail," and rise up to your ambitions, work tenaciously to bring your dreams to fruition.

Finally, let's not forget that each one of us is born with dreams and ambitions, and, as Robert F. Kennedy said, "You can achieve anything in life if you have courage to dream it, the intelligence to make a realistic plan, and the will to see that plan through to the end."

Mandakini Hiremath is a Claflin instructor and coordintor of the university writing center.

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