Winning Wednesday

We're working hard today to make sure that we get the International Conference just right, we've talked to all of our colleauges about what we need to do and how we need to do it. We've met with our generous MSPs who've offered to take part and welcome our delegates.

It's our turn to show Scotland off in its best possible light-not that light was evident in this morning's drive to work-a bit of a grey start. I'm hoping to let peope see this view from Edinburgh to Fife among others, as part of their cultural programme.

I've chosen this poem today because it reminds me of some of our learners' network who work tirelessly to get things done and I'd just like to say thanks.

So here's to success!

Success
Berton Braley

If you want a thing bad enough
To go out and fight for it,
Work day and night for it,
Give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it

If only desire of it
Makes you quite mad enough
Never to tire of it,
Makes you hold all other things tawdry and cheap for it

If life seems all empty and useless without it
And all that you scheme and you dream is about it,

If gladly you'll sweat for it,
Fret for it,
Plan for it,
Lose all your terror of God or man for it,

If you'll simply go after that thing that you want.
With all your capacity,
Strength and sagacity,
Faith, hope and confidence, stern pertinacity,

If neither cold poverty, famished and gaunt,
Nor sickness nor pain
Of body or brain
Can turn you away from the thing that you want,

If dogged and grim you besiege and beset it,
You'll get it!