“Schmidt!?  Are you KIDDING ME?  Have you seen his grades? (long pause) Well, okay, this is on YOU, not me.”

This is what I overheard while sitting in front of my high school guidance counselor/football coach while trying to get approval to be moved into the calculus class.

And, while I had NO right to be in that class based on my grades, Mr. Mansfield believed that my desire to learn calculus was enough of a reason.  

So, it was his encouragement that helped me to go see my counselor to have him move me into the new class.

I was full of hope.

Excitement.

And then a SMACK in the face!

In so many words this @$$ of a football coach who was supposed to be guiding and supporting kids resulted in me feeling like total shit.

“You’re dumb.”

“You’re not good enough.”

“You don't deserve this.”

“You’ll never amount to anything.”

“You SUCK Schmidt!”

That’s not what he said.  But THAT’S WHAT I HEARD.

Thank GOD for people like Chris Mansfield.  He gave me the permission to show up because I wanted to be there.  That was enough for him.  I was enough for him.

I want you to know you are enough.  You are enough.  YOU ARE ENOUGH.

You’re here and you deserve to be here.

I want you here and you belong in our community.

Oh, And, if you’re wondering…. YES.  I did pass the AP Calculus Exam.  (Thank you Mr. Mansfield.)