For the Under-Achievers

(While observing a twelvth grade Calculus class at East Side Community H.S, I wondered...)

Are they really underachievers?

Maybe they just don't know ther're not FULLY achieving, yet?

The majority of them have their phones out, or their heads down,
or their eyes up
staring at the clouds.
It's a gorgeous day and
they'd rather be outside
instead of inside
learning about their limits--instead of
figuring out their domains
and
their far-reaching ranges.

The girl that's focused on her appearance
more than her achievement
just confessed to smoking weed.
She should confess to herself
that she is starving herself
of a need to succeed.

So much chitterchatter,
instead of the scribblescrabble
of pencils to paper;
instead of the ignited minds
consumed in finding the time
to figure out that life
beyond the classroom
won't care for, won't spare for
the under-achievers,
for the little dreamers;
only for the Dream Keepers,
for those that overcome and over-achieve.
Only for those that retain their hopes,
for those that mantain running for their goals and dreams,
with their eyes on the prize
no matter what the cost!

Because a life free from worries,
not bound to failure and poverty,
not bound to the "I know I could've done more"s
or the "I'm so sorry"s;
A life not bound to the limits
is worth striving for--and all because
of an education that stirred success
from generation to generation.

With determination in your hearts
and education in your mind,
a Life of endless possibilities
can be yours
if you just try.