Student Essays
Dear Ossie Davis,
Essay written by Nija Woods.
Hello my name is Nija W. and first and foremost I would like to let you know how much I appreciate people like you. Many people forget to praise the wonderful leaders we’ve had throughout our history. The generation today doesn’t acknowledge the fact that if it wasn’t for African Americans like you; we would not be able to overcome the things that happen in the world today. Being in the RICH Program has helped me to thank God for people like you, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and the many other extraordinary African American activists. You all have fought for freedom in a way that no one may have thought you could. You all weren’t physical fighters but mental fighters. You all put the word out that you were somebody and would not allow anyone to discourage or persuade you into not believing that. For these things I would like to thank you...for allowing me to acknowledge the astonishing things you’ve done for my generation.
As a student in the RICH Program I am serious about integrating and utilizing our four RICH Principles in my daily life. These RICH Principles have helped both inside and outside of school, with my attitude and behavior. The RICH Principle that I have been trying to use everyday is "I Matter." This RICH Principle helps me believe in myself at all times so that I, just like you, can become as successful as you one day, not with fame and money but with pride and dignity.
Another RICH Principle that I have been trying to use daily is "I use Thinking Strategies for School Success." This RICH Principle helps me to plan ahead for life and school related issues. I always try to use this RICH Principle so that I can keep track of what I need to do and plan ahead to achieve my goals. I also see the ways in which you used the RICH Principle "I use Thinking Strategies for School Success" by planning ahead. Although many people may have tried to put you down, their negativity only made you stronger and allowed you to dream bigger. You took all the bad criticism and turned it into a source of positive influence to help you become the wonderful legend that you are today.
The other RICH Principle that I use is "I am Responsible for my Behavior." The way I have been using this RICH Principle is by letting the negative influences turn into positive influences. For example, I just like you, have been in a situation in which people may have looked down on me or said some bad things about me. I, also like you, learned to keep a positive mind set and once I always know that I matter, no one can ever make me feel less than what I am. You have used this RICH Principle in so many ways. One major way you have used this RICH Principle that stood out was when you where a little child walking home. As few police officers stopped you, not because you did anything wrong but because they wanted to taunt you. They took you to the police station and poured syrup on top of your head and laughed at you as you walked out. You went home, cleaned yourself up and didn’t bother to try to revolt against them or tell your family because you knew those actions would escalate the situation. Many people in your generation may have reacted the same way you did, however sadly, those in my generation are more quick tempered and always ready to retaliate.
Finally, the other RICH Principle I have been using is "I am Considerate of my Classmates and Others." Although I have just started realizing how important it is to show others respect I have been working extra hard applying this Principle. I must admit that being in the RICH Program has helped me to use this RICH Principle daily. You have used this Rich Principle all the time whether people treated you with respect or not because you knew that two wrongs don’t make a right; just because people don’t treat you with respect doesn’t mean you don’t have to treat them with respect.
In conclusion, I will like to thank you so much for inspiring me to become a leader and inspiration in my community, just like you! I have learned so many things from you and the most important lesson you have taught me was to kill people with kindness and you will succeed in life even if no one ever believes in you.
Thank you Ossie Davis!!!
Sincerely,
Nija Woods.