The Race
Swen Nater

The race is about to begin. Six runners line up behind the starting line, each very different from the other. You’ll see. Their coach is standing close by. His peace-giving smile gives away the deep love he has for his runners. He just wants them to be happy, enjoy the experience, and finish the race feeling good about themselves. But he knows his runners. Some of them may need a little help.

There’s the gun. Let’s move down to the field. But, as you read, don’t limit this scenario to a track. This could be any classroom in America.

The Most Likely to Succeed One
He takes off like a bullet in full-stride and with perfect gate. As he passes, you can hear and feel the warm, accelerating, puffs of air leave his mouth. Shortly, he’s way ahead of the rest and is not looking back. You yell, “Go for it. Don’t slow down. See if you can beat your last time. I’ll meet you at the finish line.”

The Distracted One
He runs at a non-rhythmic and awkward pace because he’s scanning the stands. You ask, “What’s up there that’s taking your attention?” He says, “I’m looking for my dad. I hope he’s not here because, no matter how I do, he’s not going to be happy.” You say, “That’s not important. What’s important is that you try and you can’t really try if you’re looking up there, right? I’ll be happy if you do your best. Now let’s look to that finish line and pick up the pace, OK?” He nods.

The Independent One
He’s in second place but he’s running with his eyebrows down, forehead wrinkled, and an angry scowl, given away by a mouth that is intensely squeezed shut. You run alongside and ask, “Stop for a minute. What’s the matter?” Between deep inhales he says, “I don’t know. I guess I hate always having to do what others tell me to do. I wish I could do something I want for a change.” You say, “What do you like to do?” He says, “Draw and paint.” You say, “What if that area behind the starting line was life the way it is for you? What if this race was a symbol of breaking away into your own person?” He says, “Hey! I’ve got an idea. I can paint a runner breaking out into his own person.” You say, “What a brilliant idea!” 

The Shy One
This one is walking and breathing as hard as the one in the lead. You ask, “What’s the matter? Why are you not running?” He says, “That finish line is so far away, I don’t think I can ever get there.” You say, “Well, see that first light pole? Can you make it to there?” He says, “I think so.” You say, “Well, let’s go then. After we get there, we can see about getting to the next light pole, OK?” He nods and picks up the pace.

The Different One
You notice one that couldn’t afford the track outfit. He is very talented but is limited by old and worn shoes, not to mention the soles are separating from the tops. He’s trying to run as fast as he can but can’t keep up with the one in the lead. He’s falling behind and crying. You say, “Why are you crying?” He says, “If had shoes like that, I would beat that guy.” You say, “I think that’s possible but you don’t and I can’t buy you shoes. But, I want you to know something. I’m going to help you do your best.  If you do, in my eyes and I hope in yours, you’ll be just as successful as the one that wins this race. Do you believe that?” Reluctantly, he nods and, with an emerging grin and spirit, picks up the pace.

The Injured One
He’s limping because of a birth defect. Leaning forward and swinging his arms as hard as he can, he’s trying to get one leg moving. He expends so much energy for just one foot of progress. The right leg (the good leg) steps forward but the left one lags and drags to keep up. The perspiration is spewing from his shoulders and face as he pushes forward with unequalled determination. You say, “Do you want to go faster?” He says, “Yes.” As you move to his left side and lift his left arm over your shoulder you say, “Use my shoulder and let’s go.” You both laugh as you stumble a bit but, after awhile, you are in sync and moving along nicely. Every so often, you look at each other and smile. Before the finish line he says, “Can I go the last bit alone?” You excitedly let go and say, “Of course.” 

Conclusion:

“The most unfair thing to do is to treat all students the same because they are not the same. Fairness is giving each student the treatment he or she has earned and deserves. And by the way, that’s love too.” As told to me by Coach Wooden