When I was in high school things were not going well at home. Lacking any kind of support and encouragement I saw school as a way out, an escape from a situation that I wanted out of. Fortunately I did have one thing going for me. I was getting good grades at school, which gave me some sense of achievement. I am not sure if the principal, Robert McDonald knew about my situation at home but I believe that someone he knew, or sensed that things were not well. One day in front of the entire class he said something I have never forgotten. He said, "Harvey, you have a good head on your shoulders, just don't let it go to your head". It was this affirmation that kept me going throughout high school and beyond. In my limited world at the time, this was a respected, educated man and if he could see the potential in me things were going to be alright.
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