As a special educator, I strive to be guided by the following quotes from Robert Brooks, Ph.D. - “Many … children and adults seem to be drowning in an ocean of self-perceived inadequacy … If there is an ocean of inadequacy, then there must be islands of competence—areas that have been or have the potential to be sources of pride and accomplishment.” “We must learn to identify and reinforce each child’s … islands of competence, so that a ripple effect may be created, motivating the child to venture forth and confront the tasks that have previously been difficult.”