When I was a student , what others thought of me was important to me . I was 1 taller than my classmates . Being so tall made me 2 . So I joined the group that played jokes on others at school to keep the attention off my unusual 3 . I played many jokes on others . I thought they were 4 , but many people didn’t think so , including my parents . Because most of the jokes were harmful . My parents reminded me of the “ Golden Rule ” 5 others as I’d like to be treated . They wanted me to be a 6 who was a good example to others . Whatever I started to do , they taught me to set my own goals and try my best . They always encouraged me to be a big man 7 my heart as well as in my body . I asked 8 whether it was important to be the kind of person as my parents said . I knew they were right and I followed their advice . Once I was the best at basketball and really became a leader in the game . I sometimes have to stop and think 9 I act , and I make mistakes once in a while — everyone is human . But I continue to 10 chances that can make me a good example because of my parents’ advice . I now pass it on to you : “ Be a leader , not a follower . Since people have to look up to you , give them a good reason to do so .”