Building on strengths

Everyone of us have strengths that have helped us become who we are today and are still contributing to make us better people.

I have an older brother who is very talented when it comes to school. He has always received top grades in everything he does and excels in his academics. Ever since I can remember, he has been "the smart one of the family." That's what I refer to him as anyways. He was always in the highest classes and passed them without any problems. Now he is finishing his last semester at BYU graduating in Political Science and later going to law school. The thing is though, he is a rather shy boy, possibly because he grew up with 4 sisters. He does talk at home with his family but doesn't say a whole lot in other settings.

Now I compare this with my younger sister who is right after me in age. She is an outgoing girl who is often times a bit loud and talkative in certain settings. She is a very friendly girl who people tend to love. She also has a sense of humor that can make anyone laugh. She has the strength to be around people and to make them happy. In comparison to my brother, she hasn't always done as well as she could at school. She has the potential to do well in school, but just doesn't care as much. Her strength involves people skills whereas my brother is excellent in academic areas.

Even though they are from the same family, they have two opposite personalities. Every child has their own strengths academically or even socially. It is important to help these students build on their strengths and apply it to the classroom and everyday life.