“I tell my students things that only the Master of The Universe...

“I tell my students things that only the Master of The Universe could know. I tell them that if they choose a certain path, they can be sure of success. At times I’ve convinced them that certain assignments will make or break their future. For a middle school to work, you have to impart a sense of urgency. You have to make them believe these things. Time may not be as important as we say it is, but it’s more important than they think it is. I teach in one of the most underprivileged neighborhoods in the city. And it’s almost too late to change their course when I get them. By seventh grade, the engine is almost finished, and you’re just adding the windows and tires.”