When I was a student, what others thought was important to me. I was much 1 than my classmates. Being so tall made me 2. So I joined the group that played jokes on others at school to keep the attention off my unusual 3.
I played many jokes on others. I thought they were 4, but many people didn't think so, including my parents, because most of the jokes were harmful. My parents reminded me of the "Golden Rule": 5 others as I'd like to be treated. They wanted me to be a 6 who was an example to others. Whatever I started to do, they taught me to set my own goals and try my best. They always encouraged me to be a big man 7 my heart as well as in my body. I asked myself whether it was important to be the kind of person as my parents said. I knew they were right and 8 their advice. Once I was the best at basketball and really became a leader in the game.
I sometimes have to stop and think 9 I act, and I make mistakes once in a while—everyone is human. But I continue to 10 chances that can make me a good example because of my parents' advice. I now pass it on to you: "Be a leader, not a follower. Since people have to look up to you, give them a good reason to do so."
