A few more questions.

I read somewhere yesterday that being second for a team was marvellous. I am sure it was and I am sure that there were many reasons why the writer felt this to be so. But who remembers?

I smiled yesterday when having written a blog around three questions and then did not answer them my very good friend and my first ever real boss in teaching wanted to know the answers to the questions. There is something about teachers that we are never happy with questions hanging in the air, we want answers.

So here are some more questions. Make no real attempt to answer them unless of course, you know the answers instantly. I am sure the answers could be found by searching online, unlike my questions of yesterday.

1.  Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2.  Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3.  Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.

4.  Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5.  Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners.

6.  Name the last four years second placed premier league teams. 

How did you do?

The point is, very few of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. In spite of their success, they are mainly forgotten.

Now here are another six questions have a try at these.

1.  List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2.  Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3.  Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4.  Think of a few people who made you feel appreciated and special.

5.  Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6.  Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

Easier? Much easier I am sure. In fact, I am confident you answered all.

What does this say to us?

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are not the ones who win celebrity bake-off or celebrity portrait painter of the year. 

They are the ones that care. The ones who touched your life. The ones that gave a meaningful lesson.

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.  It's already bedtime in New Zealand."

Have a great day or a great sleep whatever the case may be.