an old work

This is something I wrote for my applications to New York and I thought it was good so I'm sharing it. I know from experience that skills and aptitude do not necessarily equate to achievement. I found this to be true in my own education as well as what I have observed working with young people. What is the problem? What barriers prevent seemingly competent children from reaching their potential? I would wager that many children suffer from the same difficulty, one I suffered from as well. When I was in high school I was an underachiever. I didn't perform nearly as well as my assessment test scores predicted, and I barely graduated. I remember feeling empty. When I returned to school as an adult I found what I was missing. A special teacher, who I imitate often, showed me the enormous value of my own unique skills. I found purpose, patience, and persistence, and the grades to prove it. This is not so simple as it sounds, however. As educators we believe in the infinite capacity of all children to learn. We try to impress on our students that we know they are capable of the highest of heights, and do our best to give an excess of positive feedback. But encouragement is not enough. Many children need more than just encouragement. They are smarter even than we imagine. A pat on the back and a "You can do it!" may not be sufficient. They need a reason why. They need to understand in this great big world, how they could be of any importance. Why would the universe, in its infinite wisdom, need anything from them? What could they, 1 of billions, possibly have to offer? It is that question that the quote from Martha Graham answers. "There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique" Why does the world need just one person? Because, though there are many, you are special, you are different, you are unique. No one else has your voice, speaking from your experiences. If you do not contribute to humanity the gift of your own expression, who else will say what you could have? For this reason the self exploration offered by the arts is vital to cultivating this sense of importance in our children. Through creative outlets, it teaches them to find their own unique voice. Further, it teaches them to mold, shape, and perfect it so they may make it heard. I believe the arts are a path to help our children find the meaning they need to reach their full potential.