Just had to throw in my 2 cents. Yes now that I think about it I probably am at the very least very smart and so are my parents. I remember in elem. school that I moved from a group of 5 or 6 readers into doing my own research projects. It wasn't formal it was b/c I had read everything they had. I was also the little fat girl who loved teachers and to please. Much later I found out I was asked to go to an elite girls school on scholarship. My mom worried about me fitting in so I didn't go. By middle school i was lazy and had a major attitude still teachers loved me. I remember getting an academic award and being told by one of the others that I didn't deserve to be on the stage.
After that never lived up to potential. Slipped by b/c most of work was easy didn't have to put in much effort. I was recognized once for getting a top score on a statewide test and the shocked responses that I was cabable of doing that.
Somehow I did get thru college w/ honors and a masters as well. I remember a hs classmate telling me "a hood made good"
These experiances help me with my son but also as a teacher. background and looks don't matter, it is the nuturing and believing in success that do it.
