Who's In Charge?
[Note: the following is an excerpt, which demonstrates how readers will choose their own pathways through the book. Of course, they will actually be turning pages.]
Imagine yourself in this situation:
You are sitting in your math class at Riverside Middle School. The teacher, Mr. Korda, tries to explain a complicated math concept, but you cannot concentrate on what he is saying.
Instead, you are drawing a picture. It is a portrait. Although it looks good, the right eye needs more work. You begin to lightly erase around that area when Mr. Korda walks up behind you and snatches up your drawing.
“Would you like to explain the concept of factoring to the class?” he booms in a loud voice. “Or are we disturbing your artwork?” he adds sarcastically.
What do you do now?
Go to page 3 to see your choices.
[PAGE 3] You have three choices:
A. You are angry! You say, “Hey! Give it back! I can’t help being bored in this class. You do such a poor job explaining math. I could probably teach it better if I felt like it!”
To choose this response, go to page 4.
B. You tell Mr. Korda that you’re sorry. You say,“I just kind of got lost in my drawing. But I’m ready to listen. I won’t daydream or doodle, honest.”
To choose this response, go to page 12
C. You just sit there. You don’t respond to Mr. Korda. When he’s not looking, you make a face, and the class starts laughing. You do not even break a smile.
To choose this response, go to page 14.
[PAGE 4] Here’s what happened!
You have just managed to push Mr. Korda’s “hot button”—the one that makes him furious. When this happens, Mr. Korda’s own choices are limited. As an adult, he does manage to control his urge to choke you on the spot.
Growing very red in the face, he orders you out of the classroom and tells you not to bother coming in for extra help on the material you have missed.
You feel your heart rate speeding up. It seems as if the temperature in the classroom has just skyrocketed. Phew!
What do you do now?
Go to page 5 to see your choices.
[PAGE 5] You have three choices:
A. You gather up your books and devices without a word and leave the classroom. You keep an “I-don’t-care” look on your face and make no effort to move fast.
To choose this response, go to page 6.
B. You say, “You’re not being fair! I haven't done anything. You’re just trying to get me in trouble.” At first, you don't move, but finally, you gather your things to leave, saying, “You’re not fair!"
To choose this response, go to page 8.
C. You say, “I’m sorry. I guess my temper got the best of me,” as you quickly gather your books and devices and stand up to leave. Quietly say to Mr. Korda, “Can I talk with you after class?”
To choose this response, go to page 10.
[PAGE 6] Here’s what happened!
Mr. Korda noted some smirks and snickers among your classmates as you left the classroom. He feels you are encouraging the class to rebel and make fun of him.
At home, Mr. Korda's wife suggests that he call a parent-teacher meeting. Mr. Korda arranges an appointment for the next afternoon.
He speaks with your parents about your poor attitude, lack of attention in class, and disrespectful behavior.
After the conference, your dad is fuming, and your mom is upset. Your dad says, “No more allowance or screen privileges until you improve your math performance, including getting your homework in every day.”
What do you do now?
Go to page 7 to see your choices.
[PAGE 7] You have three choices:
A. You explode at your dad. “You’re unfair—just like Mr. Korda! And he’s not a very good teacher, anyway. I’m not doing any homework if my allowance and privileges are taken away!”
To choose this response, go to page 30.
B. You listen to your dad and do your best to stay calm. "Math is not interesting to me—especially the way Mr. Korda teaches it. I do try to sit and listen, but I can hardly sit still. How did you do, Dad, in junior high math?”
To choose this response, go to page 42.
C. “You are dinosaurs!” you say to your parents. “You don’t even try to understand what I’m feeling. You just listen to the teacher.” You go to your room and listen to music in your earbuds. But about a half-hour later, you get out your math book and begin the math homework for the next day.
To choose this response, go to page 32.
[PAGE 8] Here’s what happened!
Mr. Korda is practically foaming at the mouth with anger, but underneath he is happy to see you confront him because now he has the proof he needs to throw you out of his class.
He keeps his mouth shut as you shout about how unfair he is, letting you “dig your own grave.” He hands you a slip to take to Ms. Martinez, the vice principal.
Ms. Martinez has spoken with you on other occasions. You feel that circumstances are against you and that nothing you say will help. You wish you could just go to your room, put on music, and let it blast.
What do you do now?
Go to page 9 to see your choices.
[PAGE 9] You have three choices:
A. Tell Ms. Martinez,“I didn’t do anything! Mr. Korda is unfair. He just doesn’t like me.” Ms. Martinez reads Mr. Korda’s note. You say, “It was Mr. Korda’s fault. He is so boring—he doesn’t know how to teach math at all.”
To choose this response, go to page 26.
B. Ms. Martinez asks what you have to say for yourself. You say, "This place is like a prison. We just have to follow all the stupid rules and pretend to respect every adult here, even the stupid ones who—" Ms. Martinez cuts you off before you finish your sentence. "That's enough. I'm calling your parents. You’re suspended for three days.”
To choose this response, go to page 30.
C. You say, “Look, Ms. Martinez, I’m not going to lie to you. I was drawing—but it’s the only way I can get through that boring math class. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful, but Mr. Korda embarrassed me in front of the whole class, and I guess I didn’t use the best judgment.”
To choose this response, go to page 36.
[PAGE 10] Here’s what happened!
Ah! This is precisely the tone and words that can calm Mr. Korda. Your attitude, facial expression, and body language convey to him that you do respect him and his position as a teacher.
He is satisfied because no one in the class seems to be laughing behind his back He says calmly to you, “I suggest that you get out your notebook and begin working on tonight’s homework problems.”
What do you do now?
Go to page 11 to see your choices.
[PAGE 11] You have three choices:
A. Take out a piece of paper, put a heading on it, and get busy. You quickly realize that you have no idea how to do these problems. You read the example in the book and are determined to figure this out.
To choose this response, go to page 32.
B. With only a few minutes left in the period, you know that you can waste enough time fooling with your notebook and pencil to make the time pass without doing any work.
To choose this response, go to page 24.
C. You get out a piece of paper as if to begin your homework. But then you start a little drawing in the margin—just to get your brain going. You make a little skeleton face with gaping jaws and blood dripping from its teeth.
To choose this response, go to page 44.
[PAGE 12] Here’s what happened!
Mr. Korda expected a much angrier response from you, so he stands there a bit surprised. At first, he thinks you might be trying to make fun of him or trick him.
But since you are speaking in a calm voice and seem serious, he decides to trust you.
He can’t let down his guard completely, of course, so he says, “Then put your artwork away immediately and pay attention. Do you think you’re so smart that you don’t have to listen in this class?”
What do you do now?
Go to page 13 to see your choices.
[PAGE 13] You have three choices:
A. You say, “I already said I am sorry. You don’t need to give me a big lecture now. If you want me to leave the classroom, just say so.”
To choose this response, go to page 8.
B. Put the drawing inside a notebook as quickly as possible and get out a fresh sheet of paper. You say, "No, I know I need to listen. Sorry."
To choose this response, go to page 10.
C. You crumple up your drawing and toss it toward the trash can, and it goes in. A few members of the class applaud as you knew they would.
To choose this response, go to page 20.
[PAGE 14] Here’s what happened!
Some of your classmates are snickering behind their books. They can see that you have pushed Mr. Korda a bit too far.
They enjoy seeing Mr. Korda look ridiculous because they know that only you will get in trouble.
Mr. Korda rips up your picture in a fury and says, "Get out of this classroom now! I will not subject myself to your disrespect. Go to the vice principal's office immediately!"
What do you do now?
Go to page 15 to see your choices.
[PAGE 15] You have three choices:
A. You play the role of a clown now to make Mr. Korda look even more ridiculous. Take out another piece of paper and mimic him by ripping it up as he did with your drawing.
To choose this response, go to page 16.
B. You show Mr.Korda that you can get even angrier than he is. You violently rip the paper jacket off your math book and shout, “Don’t worry! I won’t subject myself to your lame teaching. I quit!”
To choose this response, go to page 18.
C. You quickly gather up your books, papers, and devices, keeping your head down. You glance up now and then at Mr. Korda and speak in a respectful tone, “Yes, sir.” You leave the room and head for the vice principal’s office.
To choose this response, go to page 22.
[PAGE 16] Here’s what happened!
Mr. Korda’s face is as red as a boiled lobster! You have made him look like a fool in front of the class.
He turns angrily to the class. “What in the world are you clapping for? This is an algebra class—not a circus! You look like monkeys enjoying the clown.”
"And you," he says, pointing his finger at you, "you can march yourself down to Ms. Martinez's office. Ask her if she thinks we need a clown around here!"
What do you do now?
Go to page 17 to see your choices.
[PAGE 17] You have three choices:
A. Just stand there and say, “What did I do? I didn’t do anything! I said I was sorry. I was just throwing the drawing away. You are so unfair!”
To choose this response, go to page 18.
B. Shake your head and make a noise to let Mr. Korda know you are disgusted. Then you leave the room without your books or referral slip to Ms. Martinez.
To choose this response, go to page 20.
C. Quickly gather your books, take the slip that Mr. Korda hands you, and say nothing as you leave the room and head for Ms. Martinez’s office.
To choose this response, go to page 22.
[PAGE 18] Here’s what happened!
You get a great response from some of your classmates. Most of the students think this scene could only happen in a comedy movie, and they are laughing.
However, your real friends look horrified because they know that you have gone too far this time.
Mr. Korda feels that he is living through a nightmare. When you look at him, you begin to see that you may be living through a nightmare, too.
Mr. Korda points to the door, and with all the control he can muster says just one word, “Go!”
What do you do now?
Go to page 19 to see your choices.
[PAGE 19] You have three choices:
A. Pick up your books and devices as fast as you can and leave the classroom. You have a sinking feeling as if you are slipping down the side of a slippery cliff face. You decide to go straight to the vice principal's office and confess your crime.
To choose this response, go to page 22.
B. Sit down in your seat, and don't say anything more. Refuse to get up when Mr. Korda repeats his command for you to "go!" Put your head down in your folded arms on your desk, and stay that way until the period ends.
To choose this response, go to page 46.
C. Look at Mr. Korda and say, “Okay, okay, I’m going. Don’t have a cow.” Gather your books, papers, and devices and walk to the door. Then turn around to face Mr. Korda and say, “You’ll hear from my lawyer about this!”
To choose this response, go to page 20.
[PAGE 20] Here’s what happened!
Well, you certainly told him! You walk away from the classroom, congratulating yourself on having won the battle. What a surprised look on Mr. Korda’s face!
But then you wonder why you don't feel utterly wonderful about this. What is that nagging feeling in the back of your mind, bothering you now in your moment of triumph?
Ah, you suddenly realize that you have talked yourself out of your math class. You'll be in big trouble with Ms. Martinez, the vice principal—not to mention your parents.
You feel like you are in an elevator that has suddenly started a high-speed descent from the 40th floor to the basement.
What do you do now?
Go to page 21 to see your choices.
[PAGE 21] You have three choices:
A. You remember listening to a talk by the school counselor, Mrs. Chen, at some kind of assembly program a few months ago. She said that students could come to her with any sort of problem and she'd try to help. You head for her office.
To choose this response, go to page 28.
B. You consider walking right out the front door of the school, but where would you go? All your friends are in school, and your parents are at work. You decide to keep walking right out the door of the school anyway and head for home.
To choose this response, go to page 38.
C. You ask yourself, “What have I done?” Sure, you won the battle with Mr. Korda, but you'll lose the war. Your parents will probably ground you for 99 years. You decide to try talking to Ms. Martinez before she hears from Mr. Korda.
To choose this response, go to page 22.
[PAGE 22] Here’s what happened!
Here you are at the vice principal’s office. You’re ready to face the music, but what approach should you take with Ms. Martinez?
You watch her for a moment through the window. She is talking on the phone, and she doesn't look thrilled. Maybe she is feeling overworked and frustrated from dealing with problems all day long.
She is not going to be thrilled to see you standing there. Think quickly, you tell yourself!
What do you do now?
Go to page 23 to see your choices.
[PAGE 23] You have three choices:
A. You wait quietly until Ms. Martinez has finished her phone call. She notices you and asks, "Do you have a problem?" You summon up your courage and say, "Yes, I think so. Could I please speak to you and try to explain it? It wasn't my fault!"
To choose this response, go to page 26.
B. You are so anxious to get this ordeal over with that you rap on the door. When Ms. Martinez hangs up the phone, she is annoyed and asks, “Now, just what is your problem that can’t wait?” You react with annoyance, too, and say, “Isn’t it your job to deal with problems? I guess you’re not going to be much help!”
To choose this response, go to page 40.
C. Now that you’ve had a few minutes to cool down, you start to worry about what will happen next. When Ms. Martinez asks you what you are doing there, you burst into tears. You tell her, without blaming Mr. Korda or anyone else, just what happened in math class.
To choose this response, go to page 36.
[PAGE 24] Here’s what happened!
Well, getting away with doing nothing is starting to catch up to you. Mr. Korda grins as he announces a pop quiz. Since you have not done even two homework problems, you are lost and get a fat, red F on your quiz.
You sit there, feeling stunned.
After the quiz, Mr. Korda begins explaining tonight’s homework. Most of the class seems to be paying attention to what he is saying—even though you think his explanation is as clear as mud.
What do you do now?
Go to page 25 to see your choices.
[PAGE 25] You have three choices:
A. You give up and refuse even to try anymore. Why will you ever need algebra anyway? This is useless and impossible, trying to learn something from a terrible teacher. You decide to get out of this class as soon as possible.
To choose this response, go to page 52.
B. Okay, you decide to give it one more try. You look directly at Mr. Korda and try to follow what he is saying. You raise your hand to ask a question, and you begin to understand. You tell yourself that you might hang in there a little longer and try listening more carefully.
To choose this response, go to page 32.
C. Well, that’s one F, but you don’t always do that poorly. You tell yourself that you will pay more attention to what Mr. Korda is saying. You begin drawing again, without really thinking about what you’re doing. But you manage to listen, too. It will probably be enough to get by on—to at least get a C.
To choose this response, go to page 44.
[PAGE 26] Here’s what happened!
Ms. Martinez has already had a very draining day trying to solve classroom fighting, campus vandalism, and truancy.
She is aware that there have been complaints about Mr. Korda from a few parents, but she knows that she must also support her teachers—especially when they face disrespectful students.
“I want you to understand,” she says kindly, "that now is the time to learn some essential life lessons like taking responsibility for your actions instead of blaming someone else.
I’m going to give you three days of detention so you can think this over.”
What do you do now?
Go to page 27 to see your choices.
[PAGE 27] You have three choices:
A. You speak up immediately and say, “No way! I’m not going to any three days of detention! Why should I get punished? I didn’t do anything. Mr. Korda just blew up at nothing! It’s his fault. He’s so unfair.”
To choose this response, go to page 30.
B. You’ve heard this lecture before, and not only from Ms. Martinez. You think to yourself, do I really try to blame someone else when it is my fault? This is hard to think about, so you decide to consider it later. Right now, you sigh deeply and say, "Fine. When does my detention begin?"
To choose this response, go to page 34.
C. You look Ms. Martinez in the eye and decide to reason with her. “Look, you might be right, and you might be wrong about this, Ms. Martinez. And I probably shouldn't have been drawing—and I'll do the three days of detention. But could you help me maybe switch out of Mr. Korda’s class?
To choose this response, go to page 36.
[PAGE 28] Here’s what happened!
You find Mrs. Chen in her office. She quietly welcomes you. She gives you a chance to explain in detail about the problems you have had in math class.
You finally agree that both you and Mr. Korda are frustrated and angry in that class. After some discussion, you also agree that Mr. Korda may contribute to your problem, but some of the frustration and anger you feel are your own.
Mrs. Chen asks you what you would like to do about it, and together you come up with three options.
What do you do now?
Go to page 29 to see your choices.
[PAGE 29] You have three choices:
A. The guidance department can offer you an individualized online program called “Dealing with Your Anger.” It includes videos and a workbook. You can work on it at your own speed during a free school period or after school.
To choose this response, go to page 48.
B. You decide to transfer out of your math class. Of course, you must agree to make an effort in your new class. You go to the vice-principal, Ms. Martinez, and calmly explain your reasons and feelings, and you ask to transfer out of Mr. Korda’s class.
To choose this response, go to page 36.
C. You decide to consider the problem further. You could stick it out in Mr. Korda's class; you could transfer out of his class, or come up with some other solution. Mrs. Chen gives you a set of decision-making guidelines to help you make a decision.
To choose this response, go to page 50.
[PAGE 30] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
You cause quite a commotion at home! Your dad decides on a punishment—no allowance, no screen privileges.
You find yourself always angry, even when your mom asks you what you want for breakfast!
Because you do no homework, you get mostly Ds and Fs on your schoolwork.
Your mom is sympathetic at first, but she, too, grows tired of your do-nothing attitude.
Your teachers continuously remind you of your poor attitude and give up trying to get you to "live up to your potential."
Go to page 31 for Long-Term Prediction
[PAGE 31] Long-Term Prediction
Not so many years down the road, you are working for a printing company that prepares materials for elections. Your job is to operate the press that prints the actual ballots used by the public.
One day, your manager asks you to come into his office. He starts telling you what a poor job you did on the last printing. He has received many complaints about the ballots. “You can forget about expecting a raise,” he says.
You explode and tell him it wasn't your fault. You say, "That printing machine is ancient, and you are the most unfair boss I've ever met. Everyone knows you wouldn't be boss if it weren't for the fact that you are married to the company president’s daughter.”
Your boss fires you on the spot!
[PAGE 32] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Good timing! You spent a lot of time figuring out the problems and doing every one of them. Then Mr. Korda gives a pop quiz, and you get an A!
You feel a little encouraged by your success. You decide to pay more attention in class.
Despite your dismal beginning, you earn a strong B in math by the end of the quarter. Congratulations!
Go to page 33 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 33] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a computer programmer for a video-game software company.
Although your job seemed exciting during the first six months, you are beginning to feel that the work is routine, even dull, because you just do the programming for games already designed by someone else.
You want a chance to design a game yourself, and you have some great ideas. But your boss points out that you don’t have enough courses or training for that. You decide to start studying on your own time and see if you can come up with a fantastic game that will knock everyone’s socks off.
You spend evenings and weekends designing the game until—voila!—you come up with a fantastic game. You take it into your boss, who is impressed with your initiative, self-discipline—and game design. You are promoted to being a game designer with a great future ahead.
[PAGE 34] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
You have to endure three days of after-school detention, and you are grounded at home for a week.
You take some time to think about the whole situation. You admit to yourself that it might be true that you try to blame other people for your own mistakes—like the time you kicked the soccer ball toward the wrong goal and tried to blame your teammate. Everyone knew the truth, and you ended up embarrassed.
You decide now that you'll be more aware of this problem and stop blaming other people when you know it’s your fault.
After all, you tell yourself, it takes a healthy person to admit that they have made a mistake.
Go to page 35 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 35] Long-Term Prediction
You are working in New York City for a large, prestigious advertising firm. You and your staff have created a whirlwind advertising campaign for Wizard Surf and Skateboards.
After you have presented your ideas to the top executives, however, they point out several problems, mainly because they never told you some of the things they wanted you to include.
You say, “Ah! I see what you mean. Your ideas will improve the entire concept. We’ll revise by incorporating your ideas. I believe we will have the most exciting and successful plans ever produced in this or any other firm on Madison Avenue! Give us until Friday, ladies and gentlemen.”
The executives leave feeling pleased, and you and your staff land a terrific account.
[PAGE 36] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Ms. Martinez is impressed with your attitude, especially since she expected you to be defensive and blame Mr. Korda.
She listens carefully to your explanation. She knows that not all students can get along with Mr. Korda because of his personality.
She suggests that you might do better if you switch to another math class. You agree, and you meet your new teacher the very next day. This teacher has an entirely different style, and you find yourself not only listening but becoming interested in this subject!
Go to page 37 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 37] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a journalist for a major Midwest city newspaper. You've been assigned a position in the sports department. You enjoy sports, but the editor always gives you the amateur and student sports events instead of professional matches.
You know you can handle more substantial assignments, but the sports editor won't listen or give you a chance. Finally, you decide to talk to the editor-in-chief of the paper.
You tell her that you have been reading about business and economics, and you ask to be reassigned to the financial section. Your new editor gives you a chance to prove yourself by giving you a few important assignments right away.
You work hard and soon find yourself becoming interested in stocks and bonds and investing. You become an expert on these topics and are assigned your own column.
[PAGE 38] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
You make it home without anyone seeing you—or at least without anyone trying to stop you. You go to your room to listen to music.
You decide to work on your math homework. You'll at least be in a good position, you tell yourself, to deal with the problem tomorrow.
You feel awful—scared and lonely. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Go to page 39 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 39] Long-Term Prediction
You are working for an investment firm, selling stocks and bonds. The Wall Street market has had a bad day, a terrible day. Many of your clients are losing money.
Although you are not entirely responsible, those clients are calling you and are very upset. Frustrated by the situation, they yell at you and blame you.
You are a bit sharp with one or two of the clients on the telephone, and then you decide to go give up and go home early.
Once you are at home, you feel more relaxed, sit at your desk, and begin preparing for a busy day tomorrow, hoping to do the best you can for your clients.
[PAGE 40] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Ms. Martinez doesn't care to speak with you as long as you talk like this. She tells you in no uncertain terms that you had better watch your step and your mouth! She also says that you must attend Saturday school this weekend.
While at Saturday school, you are supposed to do homework or read a book. Instead, you sit there playing a game on your phone, which you sneaked in against the rules.
The teacher in charge reports you, and you earn another three days of after-school detention. You feel angry at everyone, and you wonder why everyone is always picking on you.
Go to page 41 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 41] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a buyer for a retail department store. As you go over your records, you realize that you have made a colossal error and have ordered 1,000 leather jackets instead of 100. You anxiously go to your boss to explain, but he has already discovered your mistake and seems upset.
Although you had planned to be apologetic, you now say, "So I made a mistake! Are you going to rake me over the coals and fire me? I suppose you're too perfect ever to make a mistake!"
Your boss, who does understand how such a mistake could be made, is surprised at your aggressive attitude and strongly considers firing you on the spot.
[PAGE 42] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Your dad suddenly stops talking and stands still. You have made him think back to the ancient days of his youth and of his own struggle with mathematics. "You know," he says to you with a look of understanding, "you may be right. I wasn't a great math student either, but I have an idea."
Your dad hires a tutor for you. The tutor is very patient, and after a few weeks, you have caught on enough to understand what is being taught in class.
Your dad rewards your efforts and improved grades by taking you and a friend to Wild Wild Water Pipes, where you have a terrific time.
Go to page 43 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 43] Long-Term Prediction
You are working hard as a salesperson for a major computer company that sells to large businesses. Although you manage to do fairly well, you’re never at the top in sales figures.
You wonder what’s wrong, and so you have a chat with another salesperson. She tells you the secret of her success: She took a course in public speaking. Not only did it improve her sales pitch, but taking the course increased her confidence in speaking on her feet.
You enroll in the course at a nearby community college, and within six months, you rise to the number two spot on the list of top salespeople. In another six months, you are number one, and you have earned a position as a sales manager for three districts.
[PAGE 44] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Your math grade hovers around a C. You seem to be able to get by, but you can't seem to get interested enough to work at it and get a good grade.
However, your journalism teacher discovers that you have a talent for drawing, and you become the art director and cartoonist on the school paper.
Because you look forward to this class and feel good about arranging the art, you find that you can pay attention in math class. Your grades improve.
Go to page 45 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 45] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as an aerospace designer. You enjoy drawing your new design ideas and then seeing your drawings made into models and eventually into prototypes ready for flight testing.
You become known for your innovative and graceful designs. You have learned that you need a good grasp of engineering and higher mathematics. Because there is now a good reason to understand math, you have worked hard to master it.
You use quite advanced mathematics for your designs, even though it is the artistic aspect that you genuinely enjoy.
[PAGE 46] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
When the class files out at the end of the period, you are left alone with Mr. Korda. It is lunchtime, so no other students enter the room.
“Look,” Mr. Korda says, “I’m really not the enemy, although you seem to think so. I’ll admit that I’m not a perfect teacher, but I’m not trying to get you in trouble. And I’m not interested in seeing you fail this class. If we can call a friendly truce, this entire experience will be better for both of us.”
When you look at Mr. Korda, you see him as a real person with feelings for the first time. During the next ten minutes, the two of you talk about what you can expect. You shake hands on it.
The rest of the year is much improved. At the end of the year, you respect each other despite your differences.
Go to page 47 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 47] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a research scientist for a pharmaceutical company. You are creative and enthusiastic about various projects, but the lab supervisor often vetoes your ideas. Things become tense between the two of you, and you no longer look forward to going to work.
You decide to have a frank talk with the supervisor, Jan. To your surprise, she welcomes such an opportunity because she has been feeling tense, too.
Together, you map out some improvements. Jan agrees to give you a bit more creative freedom in your experiments, and you will report to her more fully about what you plan and accomplish.
You learn to respect each other’s different strengths—yours as a scientist, hers as a manager—and life goes more smoothly.
[PAGE 48] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
Wow! Who would have guessed it? People who created these videos and workbooks seem to know about this emotion called anger. And all the time, you thought that no one understood how anger just boils up and spills over when someone mistreats you or when you become frustrated.
You learn some practical techniques for dealing with your anger and “hot buttons,” and you try out a few. To your surprise, they work!
These techniques help you express your anger in safe ways that don’t get other people more upset with you. You find that you can even get along with Mr. Korda, and your math grade improves.
Go to page 49 for Long-Term Prediction
[PAGE 49] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a psychologist in a juvenile detention center. You seem to have an exceptional understanding and empathy with the troubled girls and boys who are residents there.
You find that you can communicate useful techniques for changing behavior, and you feel great personal satisfaction in your job. Your colleagues admire your dynamic style and ability to work with these youngsters.
[PAGE 50] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
You try using the materials given to you by Mrs. Chen for making a decision.
After thinking about the options, you make a choice—to switch classes. But first, you need more information. You go to see Mrs. Chen about it the next day. She is glad you have thought the problem out.
Mrs. Chen helps you make the transfer out of Mr. Korda’s class. You do feel more like studying in the new class, and by the end of the year, you have earned a solid B in math.
Go to page 51 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 51] Long-Term Prediction
You are working as a lawyer in the field of labor-management. Part of your job is to serve as an arbitrator (a person who listens carefully to both sides in a dispute and then makes a decision that both must accept).
You enjoy listening to all the details of complaints by both sides and then coming up with a fair decision. You build a strong reputation for being fair, logical, and creative in your settlements.
[PAGE 52] Based on Your Choices So Far . . .
Short-Term Prediction
You enroll in the lower-level math class despite the advice of your counselor and your parents. You find that you are indeed bored in the lower math class, but now you are determined not to look like a fool. You pay attention, get along with the teacher, and soon are doing A-level work.
You have a few moments of regret that you did not stay with it in Mr. Korda’s class, but then you realize that you learned something after all—that sometimes, it helps to make a change and make a recovery after a poor decision.
Go to page 53 for Long-Term Prediction.
[PAGE 53] Long-Term Prediction
You are working for a company that sells copiers to both large corporations and small businesses. You are well suited to this job, and you enjoy the traveling and the selling involved. You are so successful that you are quickly promoted to the district manager position in charge of eight salespeople.
You are flattered to gain this promotion, but you soon find that you lack management skills. There is just too much pressure because you are not prepared to manage people.
You decide to go back to working in sales while taking a few management courses to prepare yourself for a future management position.
Your company’s president is impressed by your decision and agrees to pay for your management courses.
