This 5th grader, one of the shortest kids in the 5th grade class, was never persuaded that he couldn't do it. One of the many silly (but important) class rituals we have in STEM is that as they enter the room, students in grades 3-5 jump and try to "high five" the picture of Sir Isaac Newton at the top of the door frame. Sir Isaac Newton is the official scientist hero of WGES STEM.
This student has been trying to reach the frame since the first week of school. He was always first in line with a "today's the day" attitude. Weeks turned into months, seven of them, but this past Friday, he finally did it! His class, who always showed their support for him and encouraged him for seven months, erupted into a loud cheer and hoisted him up in their arms as if they had all won. In fact, they all did because they now all have a face to go with this elusive idea of persistence we've been trying to instill in them since a very early age. It was one of those moments when you remember why you became a teacher in the first place: to watch students achieve the (seemingly) impossible.
This student's achievement was never a measurable skill, and it doesn't have a place in a data binder, but I for one, will never forget the pride and sheer joy on his face, and those of his classmates.