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An outstanding young athlete who was recruited by a top prep school was ill equipped academically for the rigorous curriculum when he started classes there four years ago. He recently graduated with honors, and was identified as “practically a faculty member” by one of his teachers in an interview. The reporter asked Daniel how he went from un-prepared to unbelievable success.

He recalled that in the first quarter of his freshman year, a teacher had requested a conference with him after he flunked a history exam. The teacher asked him curiously, “Daniel, if there were basketball exhibitions going on here at school on three separate courts, which court would you choose to attend: a JV team from our school, last year’s state champion prep school team, or team members from the Villanova college team? Without hesitation, Daniel said he would go to the court with the college players. The teacher paused and asked him, “Who are you hanging out with here at school?” Daniel had a ‘light bulb moment’ as he answered, “The JVs.”

From that day, forward Daniel was intentional about making friends with the top students, student leaders and faculty members. He said it had made all the difference in his life.

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