Steve: “I’m going to speak 15 languages fluently.”
Me: “That’s fantastic. You’re already well on your way. Your French is great. Now you’re studying Chinese, your friend’s parents speak Spanish to you.”
Steve: “Yeah, but I’m not that motivated in school. What I mean is that I’m not focused on academic subjects.”
Me: “You’re young. You do great in school — an ‘A’ student. But you are motivated by languages. That’s just fantastic.”
Me (to myself): “What kind of pressure must I put on him to make him think that it’s only math, science, and English that matter?”
Me (to Steve): “Do what you love and success will follow.”
Me (to myself): “Show him that you mean it.”
