Right now my 8th graders are reading a book called, Banner in the Sky. The lead character is a young boy of 16 named Rudi Matt who is determined to scale the last great summit of the Alps -- The Citadel. Only one man has ever dared to approach the top and he died in his pursuit. His name was Josef Matt. He was Rudi's father.
The book has inspired some wonderful conversations with my students. We've talked at great length about pursuing dreams and whether or not they can come at too great a cost. The other day I asked, "Is Rudi's dream to climb the Citadel brave or reckless? And what is the difference?"
They say the most rewarding part of being a teacher is learning from those you teach. I couldn't agree more. Each response was unique, unbridled, and sincere. "Well, I think he's being brave," one student said. "It's something he wants to do and he's doing it. That takes courage." Another argued he was being self-serving. "He has a responsibility to his mother who is worried about him. Not only is he being reckless but he's selfish."
Wherever my students stood it was clear the book resonated with them on a deeply personal level. I was reminded of the power of storytelling but more importantly how we must define what it means to be bold instead of careless on our own terms.
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