Cohoes Middle School’s new interim principal Dr. Mark Pitterson delivered a powerful message during an assembly where he formally introduced himself to the student body.
“Everyone here is entitled to a successful life,” he told the group of students. “It is in each and every one of us to change the direction of our lives.”
Dr. Pitterson spoke from experience. As a child growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, he suffered abuse at the hands of his father and spent most of his time living on the streets so he didn’t have to go home. The students were riveted as he spoke about how he once missed three months of school because his father burned all of his clothes; how he had to feed himself by rummaging through garbage cans.
He didn’t share his story for sympathy; in fact, he doesn’t share his story often. He told it to let students know that he understands some of them are also experiencing hardships, which sometimes manifests in poor behavior.
“I will listen to you and I will empathize, but I will not let that be an excuse for your behavior.”
While in high school, he learned about a test that was given to get into a teaching training college and his teacher said something that changed his life forever: you can live on campus.
At that moment, Dr. Pitterson decided that focusing on his academics would get him out of his father’s house. He worked hard, paid attention and got into the school. And he continued his education for years after that, eventually earning his Doctorate in Education Administration.
“Your life can change and will change if you decide to change your lives,” he said. “You might be making bad decisions right now, but it’s in you to be what you want to be later on in life.”
He told them that research shows that one of the greatest predictors of having a successful life is not based on if you grew up wealthy or lived in a big house – it’s attitude, and the way you look at life.
He reminded them of four key points to ensure success in school: focus on your education, be willing to learn, cooperate with your teachers and do not disrupt your classmates’ learning.
“Now you know who I am,” he said at the end of his speech. “When you see me walking in the building you can see yourselves if you put the effort in and if you decide to make the right choices. Let your teachers help you; they want to see the best come out of you.”