Response to Nelson Mandela quote

I have always loved this quote. I believe it to be truth, and after observing in secondary schools this semester I know the concept is something that will be very important in my teaching. Junior high and high school students often have little concept of their self-worth. They fail to realize that they have great potential and a role in this life that affects not only themselves, but those around them as well. Their self-concept is so small that they do not realize that their circle of influence can be huge, especially if they are striving to reach their full potential. I believe that Nelson Mandela hit it right on the head when he turned the perspective around from "who am I to be so good," to "who am I not to be so good?" We all need such a shift in perspective.