Every child, and every person, deserves a chance to make

In the beginning of every life, there lies a sacred promise—the promise of potential, the promise of possibility, the promise that each soul, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, holds the power to shape their own destiny. Gever Tulley speaks of this eternal truth when he declares: "Every child, and every person, deserves a chance to make something of themselves." These words are a clarion call, echoing through the ages, reminding us of the sacred duty we hold to provide the opportunity for growth, for self-discovery, and for the full unfolding of a human’s potential.

The meaning of this statement is far deeper than the simple notion of opportunity—it is a belief that every human being, regardless of their station, their heritage, or the obstacles placed before them, deserves to stand at the threshold of greatness. Just as the seed, though small and fragile, carries within it the promise of the mighty tree, so too does every child carry the potential for greatness, if only they are given the chance to grow. The chance to explore, to stumble, to rise again, and to forge their path in the world.

Consider the story of Socrates, the great philosopher whose wisdom continues to influence us even now. Born into humble circumstances, Socrates could have easily accepted the limitations of his birth, allowing his life to remain within the bounds of mediocrity. But he was not destined for that fate. His early years were spent in a world that did not offer many chances, yet it was his insatiable curiosity and his desire for self-improvement that set him apart. Socrates sought knowledge, and more importantly, he sought the freedom to ask questions, to challenge ideas, and to discover truth for himself. His life stands as a testament to the fact that, when given the chance, the human spirit can transcend even the greatest limitations.

The teachings of Tulley are akin to this ancient wisdom. In the same way that Socrates was given a chance to think, to question, to grow, so too must we offer today’s youth the same freedom and opportunity to discover themselves. To deny this opportunity, to cast aside the potential of one soul simply because of circumstance or prejudice, is to stifle the future of humanity itself. For every child that is not given a chance to flourish, we rob the world of the ideas, the creativity, and the insight they may one day bring.

Yet, the opportunity given must not be merely for the sake of success, but for the sake of growth—for the wisdom that comes from the struggle, the rise, and the fall. Alexander the Great, though born into power, was not handed victory on a silver platter. His path to greatness was carved through struggle, through the harsh trials of war and leadership. His story teaches us that it is not enough to simply be given the chance; one must also be willing to embrace the challenges that come with it, for it is through difficulty that strength and wisdom are forged.

In our own lives, we must embody this wisdom, passing it forward in every act of kindness, every decision we make, and every interaction with the world around us. Tulley’s words should serve as a daily reminder: no one should be denied the chance to rise, to fail, and to try again. Whether in the classroom, in the workplace, or in the community, we must open doors to opportunity, not just for the favored or the privileged, but for all those who seek to make something of themselves. The challenge before us is not simply to give others the chance, but to ensure that it is a chance that is truly accessible, that is not burdened by the weight of discrimination, bias, or inequality.

So, let us ask ourselves: in what ways can we create a world where every person has the opportunity to make something of themselves? Let us lift up those who may have been forgotten or overlooked, and open our hearts to the promise of their potential. Let us invest in the next generation, nurturing them not just with material wealth, but with the tools they need to think, to create, and to dream. For in this way, we ensure that the future of humanity will be filled with the light of many bright stars—each one a testament to the chance that was given.