WINTERSVILLE - The pupils of Wintersville Elementary School were recently taught how to develop a "Yes I can" attitude.
Edward Littlejohn, owner of the Academy of Tae Kwon Do on Main Street, visited the school to express the importance of having a positive attitude and discipline and explaining to them what it takes to win.
The first tip he taught the pupils was the student pledge, which states, "I must develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth or physical health."
"Stay away from drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or anything that can harm your body," he said.
He then told the pupils that the three rules of concentration are to focus your eyes, focus your mind and focus your body.
"Get excited and motivated about life and about school," he exclaimed. "You've got to bring your brain to school, get motivated about your work and always keep a smile on your face and a positive attitude.
"Your attitude determines your altitude, the more positive you are, the higher you will go."
Set a goal, and do all you can to achieve that goal, he said.
"You are going to school every day to get the best grades you can get and to eventually get into college someday," he said. "How you do in school determines that job you will have, where you live, what kind of car you drive, where you vacation, and so on.
"Your teachers are your guides. Be respectful to them and listen to them because they are there to help you and let you grow. Also, be respectful to your parents and your law enforcement as they are they to help as well."
He then recalled hip-hop artist R. Kelly's hit song, "I Believe I Can fly."
"You got to believe you can fly and reach your maximum potential and work really hard," he said. "If you believe that you can, you can. If you think you can not, you can not. It is as simple as that."
He then passed out a discipline pencil to each student.
"This pencil helps you to focus on being your very best," he said. "Don't ever sharpen the pencil. Just keep it with you as a reminder to be at your very best at all times.
"We live in the best country in the world and you have a lot of wonderful opportunities ahead of you," he said. "Work hard and succeed."
(Looman can be contacted at jlooman@heraldstaronline.com.)
