This edition of The Talented Performer profiles a great role model of persistence, Dr. Benjamin Carson, and explains how he went from being the “dummy” in his fifth grade class to a top pediatric neurosurgeon. The profile is from the Academy of Achievement. After reading Dr. Carson’s profile, you can learn more important lessons about perseverance by clicking on any of the three links at the end of the profile.
“There is no such thing as an average human being. If you have a normal brain, you are superior. There's almost nothing that you can't do." When Benjamin Carson was in fifth grade, he was considered the "dummy" of his class. His classmates and teachers took it for granted that Ben would take an entire quiz without getting a single question right. He had a temper so violent that he would attack other children, even his mother, at the slightest provocation. "I was most likely to end up in jail, reform school, or the grave," he remembers. But Benjamin Carson turned his life around. He graduated from high school with honors, went on to Yale University and to medical school. At age 32, he became Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. He is internationally recognized as a pioneer in his field. In his operation on the Binder Siamese twins in 1987, he succeeded where all predecessors had failed, in separating twins joined at the head. Through his books and lectures, Dr. Carson eagerly shares the story of his success with other people. In his own words: "You do have the possibility of controlling your own destiny if you are willing to put in the appropriate amount of time and effort." Or, as he tells people everywhere, "Think Big." Dr. Carson’s life story is a great example to all performers, such as students, artists, athletes and professionals, about how perseverance each day can help you create a life of achievement and good work. To learn important lessons from Dr. Carson that can help you develop as a talented performer, click on the three links below. You will go directly to the Academy of Achievement and its biography, filmed interview, and photo gallery about Dr. Carson. Start learning from Dr. Carson’s life today to further your quest to becoming a highly talented performer.
